Substance profile
Phosphorus tribromide
Phosphorus tribromide is a fuming colorless liquid with a penetrating odor.
01 · Identification
What Phosphorus tribromide is
Phosphorus tribromide is a fuming colorless liquid with a penetrating odor. Its molecular formula is Br3P and its molecular weight is 270.69 g/mol. It boils at 173 °C, melts at -41.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
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 |
|---|---|
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH014
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Phosphorus tribromide 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 | 173.2 °C (343.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 172.78 °C (343 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -41.5 °C (-42.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| -41.61 °C (-42.9 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 2.852 g/cm³ | at 15 °C | HSDB |
| 2.862 g/cm³ | at 30 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Reacts with water, ethanol; soluble in acetone, carbon disulfide | HSDB | |
| Soluble in acetone, alcohol, carbon disulfide, hydrogen sulfide, water (decomposes) | decomposes | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 10 mmHg | at 47.8 °C | HSDB |
| Corrosivity | IN PRESENCE OF MOISTURE, HIGHLY CORROSIVE TO MOST METALS EXCEPT LEAD & NICKEL | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Phosphorus tribromide
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from acids, alkalies, organics, alkali metals.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Will react with water, steam or acids to produce heat, toxic and corrosive fumes.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
PHOSPHORUS TRIBROMIDE reacts with oxidizing agents to generate heat and products that may be flammable, combustible, or otherwise reactive; the reactions may be violent. Forms complexes with potassium or sodium metal that explode when shocked. Dropwise addition to 3-phenylpropanol caused an explosion when stirring of the mixture was discontinued [Chem. Brit., 1974, 10, 101-102].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Phosphorus tribromide in the storage compatibility matrix →