Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
PCl3, also known as phosphorus trichloride, is a covalent compound consisting of one phosphorus atom bonded with three chlorine atoms. It is commonly used in organic synthesis reactions and as a reagent for converting alcohols to alkyl chlorides.
Related terms
Phosphorus Pentachloride (PCl5): A covalent compound composed of one phosphorus atom bonded with five chlorine atoms.
Alkyl Chlorides: Organic compounds that contain a halogen atom, typically chlorine, attached to an alkyl group.
Reagent: A substance used in a chemical reaction to cause or promote the desired transformation without being consumed itself.