Question

Phosgene is a common name for

• A. phosphonyl chloride
• B. thionyl chloride
• C. carbon dioxide and phosphine
• D. carbonyl chloride

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

carbonyl chloride

Answer 2

The common name of phosgene is carbonyl chloride (COCl2). It is a toxic and lethal gas that was used during world war I. It is used potentially in making chemical weapons and production of pesticides and plastics.

$CHC1_3+\frac{1}{2}\, O_2 \xrightarrow [light] {Air}\, \, \, \, \, \, COCI_2 \, \, \, \, \, +HC1$