Substance profile
Phorate
Phorate is a pale straw to light brown; colorless to very light yellow liquid with a skunk-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Phorate is
Phorate is a pale straw to light brown; colorless to very light yellow liquid with a skunk-like odor. Its molecular formula is C7H17O2PS3 and its molecular weight is 260.4 g/mol. It boils at 290 °C, melts at -42.8 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 1st degree.
Other names for Phorate
- phorate (ISO)
- O,O-diethyl ethylthiomethyl phosphorodithioate
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H310 | Fatal in contact with skin. |
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P270, P273, P280, P301, P302, P310, P330, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Phorate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 290 °C (554 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC |
| 126.11 °C (259 °F) | range, midpoint shown | OSHA | |
| 76.5 °C (169.7 °F) | range, midpoint shown, at 0.1 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HSDB | |
| Melting point | -42.78 °C (-45 °F) | NIOSH | |
| -42.9 °C (-45.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.156 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 1.167 g/cm³ | at 25 °C, Technical | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in most organic solvents such as acetone. | HSDB | |
| Miscible with xylene, carbon tetrachloride, dioxane, methyl cellosolve, dibutyl phthalate, vegetable oils | HSDB | ||
| In water, 50 mg/l @ 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0008 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 0.00084 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 637600 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 160 °C (320 °F) | Open cup | HSDB |
| 160 °C (320 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Class IIIB Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 200 °F., but does not readily ignite. | NIOSH |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Phorate
Storage conditions
Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from food and feedstuffs. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible with alkaline compounds and with water-containing preparations.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Organothiophosphates, such as PHORATE, are susceptible to formation of highly toxic and flammable phosphine gas in the presence of strong reducing agents such as hydrides. Partial oxidation by oxidizing agents may result in the release of toxic phosphorus oxides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Phorate in the storage compatibility matrix →