Phosgene

phosgene
IUPAC name: Synonyms: Formula: C2Cl2O
Uses:	chemical weapon
Properties:	corrosive
Hazards:	corrosive, produces chlorine gas
Mass (g/mol): CAS #: 75-44-5

(CC) Image: David E. Volk
Phosgene, a chemical weapon and industrial chemical.

Phosgene, the acid chloride of carbonic acid, is an industrial chemical that was used as a chemical weapon during World War I. It is a choking gas that reacts with water to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen chloride gas, which is corrosive. Exposure can lead to pulmonary edema and chemical pneumonitis. Phosgene has many different names, including carbon oxychloride, chloroformyl chloride, carbonyl chloride, carbonic dichloride, CG (military) and carbonyl dichloride.