Question

Phosgene is a common name for

• A. phosphonyl chloride
• B. thionyl chloride
• C. carbon dioxide and phosphine
• D. carbonyl chloride

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question asks about the common name for the compound "phosgene." In the options provided, the correct answer is "carbonyl chloride."

Let's understand why carbonyl chloride is known as phosgene:

• Phosgene: Phosgene is a toxic chemical compound with the formula \text{COCl}_2. Its systematic IUPAC name is carbonyl chloride. The name "phosgene" is derived from the Greek words phos (meaning light) and genes (meaning born of or producer), because it was first made by exposing a mixture of carbon monoxide and chlorine to sunlight.
• Phosphonyl chloride: This compound is not related to phosgene. It refers to compounds of the type \text{PX}_3\text{O}, where P stands for phosphorus.
• Thionyl chloride: Represented by \text{SOCl}_2, thionyl chloride is another chlorinating agent but distinct from phosgene.
• Carbon dioxide and phosphine: This combination is unrelated to phosgene. Carbon dioxide is \text{CO}_2 and phosphine is \text{PH}_3; they are separate molecules.

Hence, based on the explanation above, carbonyl chloride is correctly synonymous with phosgene.

Conclusion: Collectively, we can conclude that the common name for carbonyl chloride (\text{COCl}_2) is indeed phosgene, making option carbonyl chloride the correct answer.