Ask any process chemist what the go-to reagent is for converting a stubborn carboxylic acid into an acid chloride, and phosphorus pentachloride comes up fast. It's one of those workhorse inorganic chemicals that rarely makes headlines but shows up constantly in pharma intermediate synthesis, agrochemical manufacturing, and specialty dye production. If you're evaluating suppliers for bulk phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5), here's what actually matters — the chemistry, the grades, the handling requirements, and how the sourcing process works.
Current stock and quote requests are handled through the Phosphorus Pentachloride product page.
What Is Phosphorus Pentachloride?
Phosphorus pentachloride (PCl₅) is an inorganic chlorinating agent — a pale yellow, crystalline-to-powder solid with a sharp, unpleasant odor that's hard to mistake for anything else. Chemically, it's the phosphorus(V) chloride, meaning phosphorus sits at its highest common chlorination state here, which is exactly what makes it such an aggressive and useful chlorinating reagent. It's manufactured by chlorinating phosphorus trichloride (PCl₃) with additional chlorine gas.
Chemical Identity at a Glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | PCl₅ |
| CAS number | 10026-13-8 |
| Molecular weight | 208.24 g/mol |
| Appearance | Pale yellow powder |
| Odor | Pungent, unpleasant |
| Density | ~2.1 g/cm³ |
| Solubility | Soluble in carbon disulfide; reacts with water |
| Typical assay | ≥99.85% w/w (commercial grade) |
Industrial Uses and Applications
PCl5's whole value proposition comes down to one thing: it's an efficient, reliable way to swap an -OH group for a -Cl group. That single reaction shows up across a surprising range of end industries.
Organic Synthesis and Chlorination
In synthetic chemistry, PCl5 is the classic reagent for converting alcohols into alkyl chlorides and carboxylic acids into acid chlorides. It's a cleaner, more controllable option than some alternative chlorinating routes, which is exactly why so many downstream manufacturers keep it as a standing raw material rather than sourcing it only when a specific batch needs it.
- Converts carboxylic acids to acid chlorides
- Converts alcohols to alkyl chlorides
- Used as a dehydrating and chlorinating agent in multi-step synthesis
- Common in academic and industrial organic chemistry labs alike
Pharmaceutical Intermediates
Several active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis routes rely on a PCl5-mediated chlorination step somewhere in the sequence. Formulators and contract manufacturers sourcing it for this purpose tend to be the most particular about purity and consistency — a variable assay here can throw off an entire reaction yield downstream.
Agrochemical Manufacturing
PCl5 is also a building block in the production of certain pesticide and herbicide intermediates, where organophosphorus chemistry depends on getting a reliable chlorinating step early in the synthesis chain.
Dyes and Pigments
Some dye and pigment manufacturing routes use PCl5 in intermediate steps, particularly where a chlorinated aromatic or heterocyclic precursor is required.
Handling, Storage and Safety
This isn't a chemical to treat casually. PCl5 is classified as acutely toxic by inhalation, and it causes severe skin and eye damage on contact — prolonged or repeated exposure carries organ-damage risk too. None of that should scare off a legitimate industrial buyer; it just means handling has to be taken seriously.
- Store between 15–25°C in cool, dry conditions
- Keep in original, tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers
- Protect from moisture and direct sunlight — it reacts readily with atmospheric moisture
- Use appropriate PPE: gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection when handling
- Keep well away from incompatible materials and any source of water
Ask your supplier for the Safety Data Sheet before the first shipment lands, not after — it should spell out exactly this kind of handling guidance for your site's EHS team.
Grades and Documentation
BulkFineChem supplies phosphorus pentachloride in industrial grade at commercial assay levels — check current packaging and MOQ (kg/MT) on the product page. Every order ships with a GST tax invoice and batch-wise Certificate of Analysis; TDS/SDS documents are provided on request, and larger consignments travel with an e-way bill.
PCl5 vs. Its Close Relatives: PCl3 and POCl3
Buyers new to phosphorus chlorides often aren't sure which one their process actually needs. Here's the short version.
| Chemical | Form | Typical Role |
|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus Trichloride (PCl3) | Liquid | Milder chlorinating agent, precursor to PCl5 and POCl3 |
| Phosphorus Pentachloride (PCl5) | Solid (powder) | Stronger chlorinating agent for acids/alcohols |
| Phosphorus Oxychloride (POCl3) | Liquid | Used for phosphorylation, flame retardants, agrochemical intermediates |
If your process spec calls out PCl5 specifically, don't substitute PCl3 or POCl3 without checking with your process chemist first — the reaction chemistry isn't interchangeable even though the three compounds are closely related.
How to Source Phosphorus Pentachloride in Bulk
- Send an enquiry — share your required quantity and delivery location via the product page or Quick Order
- Get a quotation — pricing is quoted per kg/MT based on quantity and destination
- Confirm with advance payment — typically 50–100% advance
- Dispatch with full documentation — GST invoice, CoA, and SDS/TDS on request
- Pan-India delivery, with e-way billing for larger consignments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is phosphorus pentachloride used for?
It's mainly used as a chlorinating agent in organic synthesis — converting alcohols to alkyl chlorides and acids to acid chlorides — with applications spanning pharmaceutical intermediates, agrochemicals, and dyes.
Is phosphorus pentachloride dangerous to handle?
Yes, it requires careful handling — it's acutely toxic by inhalation and causes severe skin and eye damage. Proper PPE, dry storage, and corrosion-resistant containers are essential.
What's the difference between PCl5 and PCl3?
PCl3 is a liquid and a milder chlorinating agent, often used as a precursor to make PCl5. PCl5 is a solid with stronger chlorinating power, used where a more aggressive reaction is needed.
What purity is available for bulk orders?
Commercial-grade phosphorus pentachloride is typically supplied at 99%+ assay. Confirm the exact specification on the current batch's CoA before ordering.
Does BulkFineChem provide safety documentation with every order?
Yes — a GST invoice and batch-wise CoA ship with every order, and SDS/TDS documents are available on request.
What packaging is used for bulk PCl5 shipments?
Packaging is confirmed at the quotation stage based on quantity and is chosen for corrosion resistance and moisture protection appropriate to this chemical.
How is bulk phosphorus pentachloride priced?
Pricing depends on order quantity (kg/MT) and delivery destination — request a quote through Quick Order for an exact figure.
The Bottom Line
Phosphorus pentachloride is a serious industrial chemical that rewards working with a supplier who treats it that way — proper documentation, proper packaging, and a straight answer on assay and handling. Check current availability here, or go straight to Quick Order to get a quote for your quantity and city.