It is synthesized from phosphorus chloride and used to thiophosphorylate organic compounds, such as to produce insecticides.

Thiophosphoryl chloride can be generated by several reactions starting from phosphorus trichloride.

The most common and practical synthesis, hence used in industrial manufacturing, is directly reacting phosphorus trichloride with excess sulfur at 180 °C.

[5] However, it hydrolyzes rapidly in basic or hydroxylic solutions, such as alcohols and amines, to produce thiophosphates.

[6] This conversion is widely applicable for amines and alcohols, as well as aminoalcohols, diols, and diamines.