White phosphorus Property

Melting point:

44.1 (0.181mm) [MER06]

Boiling point:

277℃ [CRC10]

Density 

α: 1.83; β. 1.88 [MER06]

Water Solubility 

1 part/300,000 parts H2O; 1g/400mL absolute alcohol; 1 g/200mL CHCl2; 1g/40mL benzene [MER06]

NIST Chemistry Reference

Phosphorus tetramer(12185-10-3)

EPA Substance Registry System

Phosphorus (white or yellow) (12185-10-3)

Hazard and Precautionary Statements (GHS)

Symbol(GHS)

Signal word

Danger

Hazard statements

H250Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air

H300Fatal if swallowed

H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage

H330Fatal if inhaled

H400Very toxic to aquatic life

Precautionary statements

P210Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. — No smoking.

P222Do not allow contact with air.

P260Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.

P264Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

P264Wash skin thouroughly after handling.

P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.

P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

P273Avoid release to the environment.

P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.

P284Wear respiratory protection.

P301+P310IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.

P301+P330+P331IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.

P302+P334IF ON SKIN: Immerse in cool water/wrap in wet bandages.

P303+P361+P353IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off Immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse SKIN with water/shower.

P304+P340IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and Keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.

P305+P351+P338IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.

P310Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.

P320Specific treatment is urgent (see … on this label).

P321Specific treatment (see … on this label).

P330Rinse mouth.

P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

P370+P378In case of fire: Use … for extinction.

P391Collect spillage. Hazardous to the aquatic environment

P403+P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.

P405Store locked up.

P422Store contents under …

P501Dispose of contents/container to..…

White phosphorus Chemical Properties,Usage,Production

Description

White phosphorus,also known as yellow phosphorus, is a nonmetallic element that is found in the form of crystals or a wax-like transparent solid. It ignites spontaneously in air at 86°F, which is also its ignition temperature. White phosphorus should be stored under water and away from heat. It is a dangerous fire risk, with a boiling point of 536°F (280°C) and a melting point of 111°F (43°C). White phosphorus is toxic by inhalation and ingestion, and contact with skin produces burns. The TLV is 0.1 mg/m3 of air, and it is insoluble in water, with a specific gravity of 1.82, which is heavier than air. White phosphorus is shipped and stored under water to keep it from contacting air. The four-digit UN identification number is 2447. The NFPA 704 designation is health 4, flammability 4, and reactivity 2. The primary uses are in rodenticides, smoke screens, and analytical chemistry.

Chemical Properties

Phosphorus is a white to yellow, soft, waxy solid with acrid fumes in air. White/yellow phosphorus is either a yellow or colorless, volatile, crystalline solid which darkens when exposed to light and ignites in air to form white fumes and greenish light. It has a garlic-like odor. Usually shipped or stored in water.

Potential Exposure

White or yellow phosphorus is handled away from air so that exposure is usually limited. Phosphorus was at one time used for the production of matches or “lucifers” but has long since been replaced due to its chronic toxicity. It is used in the manufacture of munitions including tracer bullets, pyrotechnics, explosives, smoke bombs; and other incendiary agents; (because it spontaneously catches fire in air) and as a smoke agent (because it produces clouds of irritating white smoke). Phosphorus is used artificial fertilizers; rodenticides, phosphor bronze alloys; semiconductors, Electro-luminescent coating; and chemicals, such as phosphoric and metallic phosphides. RP is used as a choking/pulmonary agent

Shipping

UN1338 Phosphorus, amorphous, Hazard Class: 4.1; Labels: 4.1-Flammable solid. UN1381 Phosphorus, white, dry; under water, in solution; Phosphorus, yellow, dry; yellow, under water; in solution, Hazard Class: 4.2; Labels: 4.2-Spontaneously combustible material, 6.1Poisonous materials. UN2447 Phosphorus white, molten, Hazard Class: 4.2; Labels: 4.2-Spontaneously combustible material, 6.1-Poisonous materials.

Incompatibilities

Phosphorus, a pyrophoric solid, spontaneously ignite on contact with air, producing toxic phosphorus oxide fumes. Reacts with strong bases, releasing toxic phosphine gas. Phosphorus reacts violently with oxidizers, halogens, some metals, nitrites, sulfur, and many other compounds, causing a fire and explosion hazard. White/yellow reacts with air, halogens, halides, sulfur, oxidizers, alkali hydroxides (forming gas); and metals (forming reactive phosphides). Red is a combustible solid. Friction or contact with oxidizers can cause ignition. Incompatible with many other substances. Forms gas and phosphoric acid on contact with moisture. Opened packages of red phosphorus should be stored under inert gas blanket.

Waste Disposal

Controlled incineration followed by alkaline scrubbing and particulate removal equipment.