Substance profile
Trichlorfon
Trichlorfon is white crystals with an ethyl ether-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Trichlorfon is
Trichlorfon is white crystals with an ethyl ether-like odor. Its molecular formula is C4H8Cl3O4P and its molecular weight is 257.43 g/mol. It melts at 82.2 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as mutagens.
Other names for Trichlorfon
- trichlorfon (ISO)
- dimethyl 2,2,2-trichloro-1-hydroxyethylphosphonate
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 |
|---|---|
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P261, P270, P272, P273, P280, P301, P312, P313, P330, P333, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Trichlorfon 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 | 100 °C (212 °F) | at 0.1 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HSDB |
| Melting point | 82.2 °C (180 °F) | HSDB | |
| 83.33 °C (182 °F) | range, midpoint shown | CAMEO | |
| 83.5 °C (182.3 °F) | range, midpoint shown | ICSC | |
| Density | 1.73 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.73 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in benzene, ethanol; sparsely soluble in diethyl ether and petroleum ether | HSDB | |
| Solubility: 152 g/kg in benzene; 299 g/kg in dichloromethane; 200 g/kg in isopropanol; 30 g/kg in toluene | HSDB | ||
| In water, 1.20X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0000078 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 0.0000078 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Corrosivity | Corrosive to metals | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Trichlorfon
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Storage class (TRGS 510): Non Combustible Solids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
TRICHLORFON is incompatible with alkalis. It is corrosive to black iron and mild steel. It is corrosive to metals. It is subject to hydrolysis. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Trichlorfon in the storage compatibility matrix →