Chemical Properties 

Formula: C12H10ClO3P

Molecular Weight: 268.63 g/mol

Physical State: Viscous, clear colorless to light yellow liquid

Boiling Point: 314–316 °C (lit.) or 190 °C at 10 mmHg

Density: 1.296 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)

Refractive Index: 𝑛20/𝐷1.55 (lit.)

Flash Point: >230 °F (>110 °C)Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, but moisture-sensitive (hydrolyzes to diphenyl phosphate).

Solubility: Slightly soluble in chloroform and DMSO.

Synonyms

Diphenyl phosphoryl chloride

Diphenyl phosphorochloridate

Chlorodiphenoxyphosphine oxide

Diphenylphosphoric acid monochloride

Diphenyl chloridophosphate

Phosphorochloridic acid, diphenyl ester

DPPC, DPC, Dpcp

Uses and Applications

Diphenyl chlorophosphate acts as an electrophilic phosphorus center that reacts with nucleophiles like alcohols, amines, and carboxylic acids.

Pharmaceutical Synthesis: Used in the preparation of prodrugs to increase stability and in the synthesis of alpha-substituted beta-lactams, as well as methadone.

Nucleotide/Nucleoside Synthesis: Employed as a phosphorylating agent in the preparation of guanosine-adenosine-5′,5′-triphosphate, diguanosine-5′,5′-triphosphate, and other related compounds.

Peptide Chemistry: Acts as a reagent for forming mixed anhydrides, promoting peptide coupling.

Chemical Synthesis: Used to convert aldoximes to nitriles and to prepare aromatic polyesters.

Agrochemicals: Used in the synthesis of phosphorus-containing derivatives for agricultural use.

Others: Used in the synthesis of diaryl phosphoryl derivatives of alkylene dithiophosphates.

Safety and Handling

Hazardous: It causes severe skin burns and eye damage.

Reactivity: It is moisture-sensitive and can release hydrogen chloride and produce diphenyl phosphate.

Handling: Must be stored under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen) in a cool and dark place, preferably at 2–8°C, and handled with proper protection.

Diphenyl chlorophosphate (CAS 2524-64-3) is a highly reactive organophosphorus compound primarily used as a phosphorylating and chlorinating agent in chemical synthesis, particularly in pharmaceuticals and nucleotide chemistry. It is a colorless to light yellow liquid that is moisture-sensitive, often used in peptide synthesis and to create phosphorus-containing derivatives.