It has commercial application in oligonucleotide synthesis,[1] but is most notable as being a precursor to several chemical weapons agents.

It is a white crystalline solid that melts slightly above room temperature.

[2] Methylphosphonyl dichloride is produced by oxidation of methyldichlorophosphine, with sulfuryl chloride:[3] It can also be produced from a range of methylphosphonates (e.g. dimethyl methylphosphonate) via chlorination with thionyl chloride.

With alcohols, it converts to the dialkoxide:[5] Methylphosphonyl dichloride is very toxic and reacts vigorously with water to release hydrochloric acid.

It is also listed under Schedule 2 of the Chemical Weapons Convention as it is used in the production of organophosphorus nerve agents such as sarin and soman.