CH3CH2OH + PCl3 Reaction | Ethanol and Phosphorus trichloride

Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) and Phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) reacts and gives Chloroethane (CH3CH2Cl) and Phosphorous acid (H3PO3) as products. Chloroethane (Ethyl chloride / CH3CH2Cl) is an alkyl halide compound.


CH3CH2OH + PCl3 Reaction - Ethanol and Phosphorus trichloride

Balanced equation of CH3CH2OH + PCl3 Reaction

3CH3CH2OH + PCl3 → 3CH3CH2Cl + H3PO3

Hydroxyl group of ethanol molecule is replaced by the chlorine atom of PCl3.


Safety during the reaction

Read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of each reactants and products before, doing the reaction. It will be easy to identify what are the possible injuries can be happened due to relevant chemicals.

  • Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) - A flammable liquid, can form a combustible vapor phase due to highly evaporative nature,
  • Phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) - Fatal if swallowed, causes severe skin burns and eye damages, skin corrosion, skin irritation, Fatal if inhaled, Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
  • Chlorethane (CH3CH2Cl) - Extremely flammable gas, suspected as a Carcinogenic chemical, harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects








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