[′fäs·fə·rəs ¦äk·sē′klȯr‚īd] (inorganic chemistry) POCl3 Toxic, colorless, fuming liquid with pungent aroma; boils at 107°C; decomposes in water or alcohol; causes skin burns; used as a catalyst, chlorinating agent, and in manufacture of various anhydrides. Also known as phosphoryl chloride.AcronymsSeePOCL