Phosphorus oxychloride appears as a colorless fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Density 14.0 lb / gal. Very toxic by inhalation and corrosive to metals and tissue. Used in gasoline additives and hydraulic fluids.

It is used to prepare phosphate esters such as diphenyl isooctyl phosphate and triethyl phosphate, as well as plastic plasticizers, organophosphorus pesticides, long-acting sulfonamides, etc. It can also be used as a dye intermediate, a chlorinating agent and catalyst for organic synthesis, and a flame retardant.Electronic-grade phosphorus oxychloride is used in the solar energy industry, integrated circuits, discrete devices, optical preforms, etc., as a liquid phosphorus source, and can also be used to prepare phosphate esters.