White Phosphorus, Red Phosphorus, Black Phosphorus, 12185-10-3, 7723-14-0, 12186-10-4

PHOSPHORUS (ALLOTROPES)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

    Phosphorus Allotropes
    
    White Phosphorus (P₄)        Red Phosphorus         Black Phosphorus
    
         P                         P   P   P               P
        / \                        | / | /               /|\
       P---P                     P---P---P              P-P-P
        \ /                        | \ | \               \|/
         P                         P   P   P               P
    
    Tetrahedral P₄ Molecules    Polymeric Chains      Layered Structure
    (Weak van der Waals)        (More stable)         (Most stable)

White Phosphorus: P₄ tetrahedral molecules
Red Phosphorus: Polymeric chain structure
Black Phosphorus: Layered structure (similar to graphite)

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: COMPARISON OF PHOSPHORUS ALLOTROPES

SECTION 4: PRODUCTION METHODS

White Phosphorus Production

Method 1: Electric Arc Furnace Reduction (Most Common)

• Reaction: 2Ca₃(PO₄)₂ + 6SiO₂ + 10C → 6CaSiO₃ + 10CO + P₄ (at 1,400-1,500°C)

• Description: Phosphate rock (calcium phosphate) is reduced with carbon (coke) in an electric arc furnace; Phosphorus vapor is condensed under water to produce white phosphorus; Most common industrial production method

Method 2: Thermal Reduction

• Process: Phosphate rock → Heating with carbon → Phosphorus vapor → Condensation → White phosphorus

• Description: Phosphate rock is heated with carbon at high temperatures; Phosphorus vapor is collected and condensed; Used for specialized production

Red Phosphorus Production

Method 1: Thermal Conversion of White Phosphorus

• Reaction: P₄ (white) → P (red) (at 250-300°C, in absence of air)

• Description: White phosphorus is heated at 250-300°C in the absence of air; White phosphorus converts to red phosphorus; Controlled heating and cooling; Most common production method

Method 2: Catalytic Conversion

• Process: White phosphorus + Catalyst → Red phosphorus

• Description: White phosphorus is converted to red phosphorus with catalysts (iodine, sulfur); Lower temperature requirement; Higher yield

Black Phosphorus Production

Method 1: High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) Conversion

• Reaction: P (red/white) → P (black) (at high pressure and temperature)

• Description: Red or white phosphorus is subjected to high pressure (8-12 GPa) and high temperature (200-400°C); Converts to black phosphorus; Requires specialized equipment

Method 2: High-Pressure Method

• Process: White phosphorus → High pressure (1-12 GPa) → Black phosphorus

• Description: White phosphorus is compressed at high pressures; Produces black phosphorus crystals; Limited to research quantities

SECTION 5: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

White Phosphorus

Red Phosphorus

Black Phosphorus

SECTION 6: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

White Phosphorus Applications

Red Phosphorus Applications

Black Phosphorus Applications

SECTION 7: REGULATORY STATUS AND RESTRICTIONS

SECTION 8: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 9: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

White Phosphorus

Signal Word: DANGER
Hazard Pictograms: GHS02 (Flame), GHS06 (Skull), GHS05 (Corrosion), GHS09 (Environment)

Red Phosphorus

Signal Word: DANGER
Hazard Pictograms: GHS02 (Flame), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

Black Phosphorus

Signal Word: No signal word required

SECTION 10: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 11: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 12: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 13: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 14: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 15: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 16: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 17: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 18: HISTORICAL AND INTERESTING FACTS

Discovery:

• Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brand in Hamburg, Germany

• Discovered by boiling urine to dryness and heating the residue

• Named from Greek "phosphoros" (light-bringer) due to its glow in the dark

Historical Uses:

• "Bone ash" was historically obtained by burning bones

• Used in early matches and pyrotechnics

• Used in early pesticides and rodenticides

Interesting Facts:

• White phosphorus glows in the dark (chemiluminescence)

• Same element (P) with different crystal structures creates dramatically different properties

• Black phosphorus is considered the future of electronics (phosphorene)

• White phosphorus burns with a bright yellow-white flame, producing dense white smoke

SECTION 19: KEY WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• White phosphorus is EXTREMELY TOXIC. Contact with skin causes severe deep burns. Fatal dose ~50-100 mg.

• White phosphorus spontaneously ignites in air. Store under water. Do not expose to air.

• White phosphorus burns require special handling. DO NOT use water spray. Immerse in water or cover with wet cloth.

• Red phosphorus is a controlled substance. Sales are restricted in many countries due to use in illicit drug production.

• Red phosphorus is flammable. Keep away from heat and ignition sources.

• Black phosphorus is research material. Not commercially available. Handle under inert atmosphere.

• Contamination: Red phosphorus may contain traces of white phosphorus, increasing toxicity. Test before use.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• White Phosphorus Handling: Use ONLY in inert atmosphere or under water; Use full PPE including acid-resistant gloves and face shield; Work in fume hood; Immediate medical attention for any exposure; Store in sealed containers under water; Regular inspection of water levels.

• Red Phosphorus Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Avoid dust generation; Keep away from heat and ignition sources; Store in tightly closed containers; Avoid contamination with white phosphorus; Use appropriate PPE (gloves, safety goggles, dust mask).

• Black Phosphorus Handling: Handle under inert atmosphere (argon/nitrogen); Use in glove box for research applications; Protect from light; Store in sealed vials; Use appropriate PPE.

• Emergency Response (White Phosphorus): DO NOT use water spray; Immerse in water; Cover with wet cloth; Remove phosphorus particles; Immediate medical attention; Burn specialist required.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; White phosphorus is hazardous waste; Red phosphorus is regulated waste; Black phosphorus can be disposed as chemical waste.

SPECIAL NOTE ON WHITE PHOSPHORUS BURNS:

White phosphorus burns are a medical emergency:

• Appearance: Deep, progressive burns; May not be immediately painful

• Mechanism: Phosphorus continues to burn beneath the skin

• Treatment: DO NOT use water (may spread); Cover with wet cloth; Remove particles; Immediate burn specialist treatment

• Toxicity: Absorption can cause liver and kidney damage

• Prevention: Full PPE; Inert atmosphere; Under water storage

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, this document does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.