Phosgene

Phosgene (also known as carbonyl chloride, COCl2) is a highly toxic gas or refrigerated liquid that was used as a chemical weapon in World War I. It has no color, but is detectable in air by its odor, which resembles moldy hay.

History

Phosgene was synthesized by the chemist John Davy (1790-1868) in 1812. It was first used as a weapon by the French, under the direction of French chemist Victor Grignard in 1915. Later, the Germans, under the direction of German chemist Fritz Haber added small quantities of it to chlorine to increase the latter's toxicity. Soon after, use of pure phosgene was begun. Phosgene was responsible for most of the about 100,000 gas-caused deaths during World War I.

Related Topics:
John Davy - 1812 - Victor Grignard - 1915 - Germans - Fritz Haber - Chlorine - World War I

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