Substance profile
Sulfuryl chloride
Sulfuryl chloride is colorless, mobile liquid with a very pungent odor.
01 · Identification
What Sulfuryl chloride is
Sulfuryl chloride is colorless, mobile liquid with a very pungent odor. Its molecular formula is Cl2O2S and its molecular weight is 134.97 g/mol. It boils at 69.3 °C, melts at -54.1 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
Other names for Sulfuryl chloride
- sulphuryl chloride
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
Sulfuryl chloride 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 | 69.3 °C (156.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| 69.11 °C (156.4 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 69.1 °C (156.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -54.1 °C (-65.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 1.67 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.6674 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.67 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with benzene, toluene, ether, glacial acetic acid, and other org solvents | HSDB | |
| Solubility in water: reaction | ICSC | ||
| Vapor pressure | 111.009 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 100 mmHg | at 17.8 °C | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | Not flammable (USCG, 1999) | CAMEO | |
| Vapor density | 4.6 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.65 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 272.5 °C (522.5 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Sulfuryl chloride
Storage conditions
With caution, dilute alkali can be used to store sulfuryl chloride but some corrosion may occur; lead, nickel, glass, Teflon, 310 stainless steel, or baked phenolics (tested for this service) are preferred.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Sulfuryl chloride reacts with water to form hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid. ...
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
SULFURYL CHLORIDE reacts exothermically with water. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, amines. Reacts violently with bases. Attacks many metals. Can react explosively with lead dioxide [Mellor 10:676 1946-47]. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Sulfuryl chloride in the storage compatibility matrix →