The compound itself is a colorless solid, but impure samples are often yellowish liquids.

[2] Phosgene oxime can be prepared by reduction of chloropicrin using a combination of tin metal and hydrochloric acid as the source of the active hydrogen reducing agent: The observation of a transient violet color in the reaction suggests intermediate formation of trichloronitrosomethane (Cl3CNO).

Early preparations, using stannous chloride as the reductant, also started with chloropicrin.

[3] The compound is electrophilic and thus sensitive to nucleophiles, including bases, which destroy it: Phosgene oxime has been used to prepare heterocycles that contain N-O bonds, such as isoxazoles.

[4] Dehydrohalogenation upon contact with mercuric oxide generates chlorine fulminate, a reactive nitrile oxide:[5] Phosgene oxime is classified as a vesicant even though it does not produce blisters.