PCl3 is the most important of the three phosphorus chlorides.

It is an important industrial chemical.

PCl3 is important indirectly as a precursor to PCl5, POCl3 and PSCl3.

It is also used as a reagent in organic synthesis.

 Phosphorus trichloride is a colourless transparent motile liquid. It is the most important phosphorus halogen. Used as an important intermediate in the production of phosphate ester insecticides.