Question

The product formed in the reaction of ${\mathrm{SOCl}}_2$ with white phosphorus is?

• A. ${\mathrm{PCl}}_3$
• B. ${\mathrm{SO}}_2{\mathrm{Cl}}_2$
• C. ${\mathrm{SCl}}_2$
• D. ${\mathrm{POCl}}_3$

Answer 1

The correct option is A

${\mathrm{PCl}}_3$

The explanation for the correct option

(A)${\mathrm{PCl}}_3$

White phosphorus

• It is a translucent white waxy solid.
• It is poisonous, insoluble in water but soluble in carbon disulfide.
• It glows in dark (chemiluminescence).
• White phosphorus is less stable and therefore, more reactive than the other solid phases under normal conditions due to angular strain in the ${\mathrm{P}}_4$molecule where the angles are only $60°$.

The reaction of ${\mathrm{SOCl}}_2$ with white phosphorus

• Phosphorous trichloride is the product formed when ${\mathrm{SOCl}}_2$ reacts with white phosphorous.

${\mathrm{P}}_4\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+8{\mathrm{SOCl}}_2\left(\mathrm{l}\right)\to 4{\mathrm{PCl}}_3\left(\mathrm{l}\right)+4{\mathrm{SO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)+2{\mathrm{S}}_2{\mathrm{Cl}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)$

The explanation for the incorrect option

The product formed in the reaction of ${\mathrm{SOCl}}_2$ with white phosphorus is ${\mathrm{PCl}}_3$. Hence, options (B), (C), and (D) are incorrect.

Hence, option (A) is correct. Phosphorous trichloride is the product formed when ${\mathrm{SOCl}}_2$ reacts with white phosphorous.