Diphosphorus tetrachloride is an inorganic compound with a chemical formula P2Cl4. It is a colorless liquid that decomposes near room temperature and ignites in air.[1]
Production
It was first prepared in 1910 by Gauthier by the following reaction:
- 2 PCl3 + H2 → P2Cl4 + 2 HCl
An improved method involves coevaporation of phosphorus trichloride and copper, as described by the following:[1]
- 2 PCl3 + 2 Cu → P2Cl4 + 2 CuCl
Reactions
Near room temperature, the compound degrades to give phosphorus trichloride and an ill-defined phosphorus monochloride:
- P2Cl4 → PCl3 + 1/n [PCl]n
The compound adds to cyclohexene to give trans-C6H10-1,2-(PCl2)2.[1]
References
- ^ a b c Driess, M.; Haiber, G. (1993). "Eine neue Synthese von Tetrachlordiphosphan sowie Untersuchungen zur 1,2-Addition an Cycloalkene". Zeitschrift für Anorganische und Allgemeine Chemie. 619: 215–219. doi:10.1002/zaac.19936190135.