The specific product depends on the reaction conditions:

* Phosphorus trichloride (PCl₃) is formed when phosphorus reacts with excess chlorine at a lower temperature.

* Phosphorus pentachloride (PCl₅) is formed when phosphorus reacts with chlorine at a higher temperature.

Here are the balanced chemical equations for the reactions:

Formation of Phosphorus trichloride (PCl₃):

2P(s) + 3Cl₂(g) → 2PCl₃(l)

Formation of Phosphorus pentachloride (PCl₅):

P(s) + 5Cl₂(g) → PCl₅(s)