Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a non-metallic element located in Group V and Period 2 of the periodic table. It plays a vital role in agriculture and is also used in pharmaceuticals and medicine production.

Sources of Phosphorus

• Crab shells
• Coal
• Banana peels

Properties of Phosphorus

Physical Properties

• It has low melting and boiling points compared to metals.
• It exists in two allotropes (different forms of the same element).
• It is insoluble in water due to its non-polar nature.
• It is soluble in organic solvents.

Chemical Properties

• Reaction with oxygen:

  Phosphorus reacts readily with oxygen to form phosphorus pentoxide, producing a bright flame:

  Equation: P₄(s) + 5O₂(g) → 2P₂O₅(s)

• Reaction with chlorine gas:

  Phosphorus reacts with chlorine to form phosphorus trichloride (PCl₃) and, in excess chlorine, phosphorus pentachloride (PCl₅):

  Equation: P₄(s) + 10Cl₂(g) → 4PCl₅(s)

Uses of Phosphorus

• Used in match head production
• Used in detergent manufacturing (e.g., Surf)
• Used in fertilizer production
• Used in making rat poison
• Used in bombs to release energy

Phosphorus Compounds

Phosphorus forms various compounds, but the most important include phosphates and phosphoric acid. Phosphates are salts of phosphoric acid and play significant roles in chemistry and industry.

Uses of Phosphoric Acid and Phosphates

• Used in baking as leavening agents
• Used in toothpaste formulation
• Essential for bone development in the human body
• Used as a raw material in fertilizer manufacturing