Phosphorus tribromide
Agent Name
Phosphorus tribromide
CAS Number
7789-60-8
Formula
Br3-P
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Phosphorous bromide; Phosphorous tribromide; Phosphorus bromide (PBr3); Tribromophosphine; [ChemIDplus] Phosphorus (III) bromide; UN1808
Category
Phosphorus Compounds
Description
Colorless to yellow liquid with a very penetrating odor; [HSDB]
Sources/Uses
Used as a catalyst and in chemical analysis and synthesis; [HSDB]
Comments
Corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] Inhalation can cause severe irritation of lungs; [CAMEO] Reacts with moisture in the air forming phosphonic acid and hydrogen bromide gas; Causes severe burns; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema; [HSDB] Reacts violently with water producing white fumes of hydrogen bromide; Causes burns; Inhalation causes severe irritation of nose, throat, and lungs; [CHRIS] Causes somnolence, muscle weakness, and dyspnea in oral lethal-dose studies of rats; [RTECS]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
TIH
Yes
Dangerous When Wet
Yes
Explanatory Notes
VP = 10 mmHg at 47.8 degrees C; [HSDB] Not TIH in land-based spills, but TiH substance released when spilled in water; [ERG 2016]
NFPA
will not burn
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: