Chemistry:Methylphosphonyl difluoride

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Methylphosphonyl difluoride
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Names
Preferred IUPAC name
Methylphosphonic difluoride
Other names
Methylphosphonyl difluoride
Methylphosphonoyl difluoride, EA-1251
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
4-04-00-03508
ChemSpider
MeSH difluoride Methylphosphonic difluoride
UNII
Properties
CH3POF2
Molar mass 100.00
Appearance Colorless liquid
Odor Pungent, acid-like[1]
Density 1.359 g/mL (77°F)[1]
Melting point −37 °C; −35 °F; 236 K
Boiling point 100 °C; 212 °F; 373 K
Decomposes[1]
Vapor pressure 36 mmHg (77°F)[1]
Hazards
Main hazards Corrosive, toxic
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Methylphosphonyl difluoride (DF), also known as EA-1251[2] or difluoro,[3] is a chemical weapon precursor. Its chemical formula is CH3POF2. It is a Schedule 1 substance under the Chemical Weapons Convention. It is used for production of sarin and soman as a component of binary chemical weapons; an example is the M687 artillery shell, where it is used together with a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and isopropyl amine, producing sarin.

Preparation

Methylphosphonyl difluoride can be prepared by reacting methylphosphonyl dichloride with hydrogen fluoride (HF) or sodium fluoride (NaF).

Safety

Methylphosphonyl difluoride is both reactive and corrosive. It is absorbed through skin and causes burns and mild nerve agent symptoms. It reacts with water, producing HF fumes and methylphosphonic acid as a result. It is also capable of corroding glass.

Significance in international relations

In 2013–2014, the stockpile of chemicals covered by the CWC was removed from Syria and destroyed. Of the stockpile, 581 tons (over 96%) of the stockpile was DF. It was destroyed by the U.S. Army on the MV Cape Ray by hydrolysis.[4][5]

References