Phosphorus

Phosphorus , P

Phosphorus is the chemical element that has the symbol P and atomic number 15. The name comes from the Greek: phôs (meaning "light") and phoros (meaning "bearer"). A multivalent nonmetal of the nitrogen group, phosphorus is commonly found in inorganic phosphate rocks.

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P1-10003-P

PCl5 -60 Mesh 99.9% Pure

Phosphorus Chloride

8 UN1809 PG I

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P1-10004-P

P2O3 -100 Mesh 99.9% Pure

Phosphorus Oxide

8 UN1807 PG II

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Due to its high reactivity, phosphorus is never found as a free element in nature on Earth. One form of phosphorus (white phosphorus) emits a faint glow upon exposure to oxygen (hence its Greek derivation and the Latin 'light-bearer', meaning the planet Venus as Hesperus or "Morning Star").

Phosphorus is a component of DNA and RNA and an essential element for all living cells. The most important commercial use of phosphorus-based chemicals is the production of fertilizers.

Phosphorus compounds are also widely used in explosives, nerve agents, friction matches, fireworks, pesticides, toothpaste, and detergents.

Symbol P

Atomic number 15

No. of naturally occurring isotopes 1

Atomic weight 30.97376

Electronic configuration [Ne]3s²3p³

Electrical resistivity (20°C)/μohm cm 10¹¹(α-P⁴)

Refractive index n_D (29.2°C) 1.8244

Density (20°C)/gcm³ 1.8232 (α-P4)

Melting point / °C α-P4 44.1*

Boiling point / °C 280.5

Vapour pressure/ mm Hg 0.122(20°C)

Dielectric constant (20°C) 4.1(α-P₄)

Ionization energy/kJmol^-1 I 1012

Ionization energy/kJmol^-1 II 1903

Ionization energy/kJmol^-1 III 2912

*(44.25 when ultrapure)

Temperature (^oC) @Vap. Pressure

10^-8 Torr 327

10^-6 Torr 361

10^-4 Torr 402

Techniques

Electron Beam -

Crucible Al₂O₃

Coil -

Boat -

Remarks

Metal reacts violently in air.