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Chlorinated and fluorinated solvents

Diphosgene

Also known as Trichloromethyl chloroformate, Diphosgen, Difosgen

CAS 503-38-8Formula C2Cl4O2Molar mass 197.83 g/molEC 207-965-9
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive, Acute toxicity (severe) 1 supplier listed
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Diphosgene chemical structure, C2Cl4O2, CAS 503-38-8
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless liquid
Melting point
-57 °C
Boiling point
128 °C
Density
1.6 g/cm³
Solubility
INSOL IN WATER, SOL IN ETHANOL, VERY SOL IN ETHER
HS code
291590
Category
Chlorinated and fluorinated solvents
Illustrative photo, clear colourless liquid in a glass reagent bottle on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Diphosgene?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Diphosgene is a moderately persistent synthetic organic compound, formed by chlorination of methyl chloroformate, that is a respiratory irritant and lachrymator. Trichloromethyl Chloroformate has been used as a chemical warfare agent and is characterized as a colorless liquid with an odor that is like newly mown hay. Exposure occurs by inhalation, ingestion, or contact.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
trichloromethyl carbonochloridate
CAS number
503-38-8 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
207-965-9
Molecular formula
C2Cl4O2
UNII
PO4Q4R80LV
MDL number
MFCD00015553
InChIKey
HCUYBXPSSCRKRF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C2Cl4O2/c3-1(7)8-2(4,5)6
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C(=O)(OC(Cl)(Cl)Cl)Cl

Synonyms

  • Trichloromethyl chloroformate
  • Diphosgen
  • Difosgen
  • Perchloromethyl formate
  • Carbonochloridic acid, trichloromethyl ester
  • Methanol, trichloro-, chloroformate
  • Carbonochloridic acid trichloromethyl ester
  • Formic acid, chloro-, trichloromethyl ester
  • Trichlormethylester kyseliny chlormravenci
  • trichloromethyl carbonochloridate
  • chloroformic acid trichloromethyl ester
  • trichloromethylchloroformate
  • di-Phosgene
  • C2Cl4O2
  • tricloromethyl chloroformate
  • trichioromethyl chloroformate
  • trichloromethyl-chloroformate
  • 4-03-00-00033 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
  • trichloromethyl chlorocarbonate
  • chloroformic acid trichloromethylester
  • Trichloromethylcarbonochloridate
  • chlorocarbonic acid trichloromethyl ester
  • Trichloromethyl chloroformate, >=97.0% (GC)

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless liquidexp.
Odour
ODOR SIMILAR TO PHOSGENE (NEWMOWN HAY)exp.
Melting point
-57 °Cexp.
Boiling point
128 °Cexp.
Density
1.6 g/cm³exp.
Solubility
INSOL IN WATER, SOL IN ETHANOL, VERY SOL IN ETHERexp.
Vapour pressure
10 MM HG @ 20 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
197.83 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
195.8652 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
2.69calc.
Topological polar surface area
26.3 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
8calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.5calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)

Hazard statements

  • H300Fatal if swallowed.
  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
  • H330Fatal if inhaled.
Precautionary statements (19)
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
  • P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P320Specific treatment is urgent (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Diphosgene suppliers

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Where suppliers are based

1 supplier in 1 country

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Diphosgene price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Organic synthesis, military poison gas.

Used in synthesis of isocyanides.

How it is made

Prepared by photochlorination of methyl formate: W Hentschel, J Prakt Chem 36: 209 (1887), F Grignard et al, CR Acad Sci 169: 1074 (1919), eidem, ibid 1143, by photochlorination of methyl chloroformate: A Kling et al, ibid 1046, K Kurita, Y Iwakura, Org Syn 59: 195 (1980).

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Diphosgene is traded under.

HS 2915.90Indicative HS code

Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and halogenated…

World exports in 2024
$3.42B
+5.6% vs 2023, imports $3.55B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Indonesia15.9%
  2. Germany13.0%
  3. Malaysia12.4%
Top importers
  1. China14.4%
  2. Netherlands11.7%
  3. United States11.5%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Diphosgene is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Diphosgene, based on the data on this page

What is Diphosgene?

Diphosgene is a moderately persistent synthetic organic compound, formed by chlorination of methyl chloroformate, that is a respiratory irritant and lachrymator. Trichloromethyl Chloroformate has been used as a chemical warfare agent and is characterized as a colorless liquid with an odor that is like newly mown hay.

What is the CAS number of Diphosgene?

The CAS registry number of Diphosgene is 503-38-8.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Diphosgene?

The molecular formula of Diphosgene is C2Cl4O2 and its molar mass is 197.83 g/mol.

What is Diphosgene used for?

Organic synthesis, military poison gas. Used in synthesis of isocyanides.

Is Diphosgene hazardous?

Diphosgene carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: fatal if swallowed, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, fatal if inhaled. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Diphosgene?

Diphosgene is usually classified under HS code 291590 (Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Diphosgene?

CompoundList lists 1 supplier of Diphosgene in India. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Diphosgene in India?

1 supplier in India list Diphosgene on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Diphosgene?

Suppliers quote Diphosgene on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Diphosgene

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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