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Phosgene
Map of Phosgene Products producing locations in ppPLUS
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Data
Production
Global Production
Product Categories, Description and Properties
Segment
Chemicals
Main-Family
Functional Organic Products
Sub-Family
Organic Chlorides
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Description

Phosgene (aka carbonyl chloride) is the chemical compound with the formula COCl2. This colorless gas is valued industrial reagent and building block in synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds. In low concentrations, its odor resembles freshly cut hay or grass. In addition to its industrial production, small amounts occur naturally from the breakdown and the combustion of organochlorine compounds, such as those used in refrigeration systems. The chemical was named by combining the Greek words 'phos' (meaning light) and genesis (birth).

Industrially, phosgene is produced by passing purified carbon monoxide and chlorine gas through a bed of porous activated carbon, which serves as a catalyst:

 
CO + Cl2 → COCl2
(ΔHrxn = −107.6kJ/mol)


The reaction is exothermic, therefore the reactor must be cooled. Typically, the reaction is conducted between 50 and 150°C. Above 200°C, phosgene reverts to carbon monoxide and chlorine, Keq (300K) = 0.05.

Source: Infogalactic, Phosgene

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Building Block / Value Chain - Info
Value Chain-I
Carbon Monoxide
Value Chain-II
Chlorine
Properties
Status
A
Unit of Measure
Metric Ton
Physical State

Gas

System Info
Update by
UserPic  Kokel, Nicolas
Last Update
9/23/2025 8:16 AM
Added
2/19/2022 12:39 PM
Products Picture
Phosgene Molecule https://infogalactic.com/info/Phosgene
  Product Communicator
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Product Title Date
  UserPic *Phosgene Phsogene description updated 8/2/2024