15 Phosphorus Uses : Facts You Should Know!

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Phosphorus is a chemical element with an atomic number of 15 and a molecular mass of 30.97 g/mol. Let us examine the uses of phosphorus (P).

Phosphorus, a highly reactive chemical element, is commonly used in a wide range of applications, including

  • Phosphorus is used to make fertilizers, animal feeds, rust removers, corrosion inhibitors, and even dishwasher tablets.
  • Phosphorus also contributes to the production of ATP, a molecule used by the body to store energy.
  • Phosphates are also used in the production of fine dishware and specialty glasses.
  • Phosphorus is used to make safety matches, pyrotechnics, and inflammatory shells.
  • Phosphorus is also essential in the production of steel.

In this article, let us look at the applications of various phosphorus compounds such as phosphorous pentoxide, white phosphorous, and black phosphorus in full detail.

Phosphorus pentoxide uses

Phosphorus pentoxide (P4O10) is a crystalline white solid made of the anhydride of phosphoric acid. It has a molecular weight of 283.9 g/mol. P4O10 is created by burning tetraphosphorus with enough oxygen. The applications of P4O10 are discussed further below.

  • P4O10 is a powerful dehydrating agent, as indicated by the exothermic nature of its hydrolysis, which produces phosphoric acid

P4O10 + 6 H2O → 4 H3PO4

  • P4O10 can be utilized to make mono/di ester phosphate esters.
  • P4O10 can be used as a drying agent due to its strong hygroscopic properties.
  • Phosphorus-containing fertilizers are one of the applications of P4O10. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth.

Black phosphorus uses

Black phosphorus (BP) is a phosphorus allotrope composed of multiple layers with two-dimensional structures that are weakly bonded to one another by van der Waals forces. Its heat of formation is 39.3 kJ/mol. BP is used in the following industries:

  • BP powder can be used to make black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs).
  • BP is effectively used in biosensing, photoacoustic imaging..etc

White phosphorus uses

White phosphorus is a substance derived from phosphate rocks. It has a waxy texture and a garlic-like odor when solid. It could be white, yellow, or clear (colorless). White phosphorus is used in the following industries:

  • White phosphorus is used to make chemicals that are used in fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning materials.
  • White phosphorus was previously used as a pesticide and in fireworks.
  • The military uses white phosphorus as an incendiary agent in various types of ammunition because it spontaneously catches fire in the air.
  • White phosphorus is also used to make Phosphorus bronze, which is utilized to make tracer bullets.

Conclusion

Phosphorus (P) is a mineral found in a variety of foods and can also be obtained as a supplement. The most of phosphorus compounds mined are used as fertilizers. Organophosphorus compounds have also been used in detergents, pesticides, and nerve agents.