Phosgene is thechemical compound with theformula COCl2. This gas has no color. The gas was used as aweapon duringWorld War I. It is responsible for most of the deaths related to poison gas during the war. Today, phosgene is used as a tool. It is used fororganic synthesis. When there is a small amount in the air, the smell is similar to that of freshly cut hay or grass. Some soldiers during the First World War have stated that it smelled a little likeMay Blossom. When somecompounds ofchlorine andcarbon burn or break down, small amounts of phosgene are given off.[1]
Phosgene is a strongpoison. Its smell may not be noticed. Signs of exposure may sometimes be detected slowly.[2]Phosgene can be seen at 0.4parts per million. This amount is four times thesafe amount. Its high ability to poison doesn't come from the hydrogen chloride released bya process. It comes from the action of the phosgene on the proteins in the pulmonarysac of the lungs. Thesacs are where the oxygen goes into the body. Their damage makes it hard for the blood and air move oxygen and carbon. This will make breathing very hard. Badges are worn by those at risk of exposure.[1]
↑1.01.11.2Wolfgang Schneider and Werner Diller "Phosgene" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2002. DOI: 10.1002/14356007.a19_411. Article Online Posting Date: June 15, 2000
