Because of its connection to meth production , the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration regulates the sale of red phosphorus in the United States, along with white phosphorus and hypophosphorous acid (H 3 PO 2 ).
Is red phosphorus illegal?
Methamphetamine (meth), an illegal drug, is made with red phosphorus. ... However, red phosphorus is illegal to import, export, purchase, or sell iodine crystals in the United States if they are used or intended to be used in the production of methamphetamine.
What does red phosphorus do to the body?
RP is 95% phosphorus in a 5% butyl rubber base and provides an adequate tank screen on the battlefield . When RP is oxidized, it forms a mixture of phosphorous acids. When these acids are exposed to water vapor, they in turn form polyphosphoric acids, which may be responsible for the toxic injuries to the upper airways.
Why is phosphorus called the devil’s element?
Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brand in Germany. ... Only the white allotrope or form of phosphorus glows in the dark. Some texts refer to phosphorus as the “Devil’s Element” because of its eerie glow, tendency to burst into flame , and because it was the 13th known element.
Why red phosphorus is not poisonous?
Red phosphorus properties:
Non-poisonous. Solubility properties: does not dissolve in water and carbon disulphide . ... Chemically, white phosphorus is more reactive than red phosphorus. It is polymeric and consists of chains of P 4 tetrahedra linked together as shown in the figure given below.
Do matches have red phosphorus?
The head of safety matches are made of an oxidizing agent such as potassium chlorate, mixed with sulfur, fillers and glass powder. The side of the box contains red phosphorus , binder and powdered glass.
How poisonous is red phosphorus?
Ingestion: Red phosphorous is consider non-toxic in its pure form . However, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or garlic odor on breath will indicate poisoning by the yellow allotrope. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Drink 2-3 glasses of water and seek medical attention immediately.
What are the symptoms of high phosphorus?
Symptoms of too much phosphorus
These symptoms include joint pain, muscle pain, and muscle weakness . People with high phosphorus levels can also experience itching and red eyes. Symptoms of more severe cases of high phosphorus may include severe constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What happens when you burn red phosphorus?
In the Oxygen atmosphere, the burning red Phosphorus flares up bright yellow . ... Because of the excess Oxygen in the flask, the Phosphorus burning process creates Phosphorus (V) Oxide, Tetraphosphordecaoxide (P4O10). Phosphorus (V) Oxide is a white, odorless powder which forms (ortho) Phosphoric acid in water.
What are the dangers of phosphorus?
CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Phosphorus spontaneously ignites on contact with air , producing toxic fumes (phosphorus oxides). Phosphorus reacts violently with oxidants, halogens, some metals, nitrites, sulfur, and many other compounds, causing a fire and explosion hazard.
What are three interesting facts about phosphorus?
- Phosphorus is highly reactive. ...
- White phosphorus is a waxy solid and very poisonous. ...
- White phosphorus glows in the dark and can spontaneously combust in air.
- Red phosphorus is found on the side of matchboxes. ...
- Phosphorus is essential to life. ...
- Phosphorus is found in bones.
Where is most phosphorus found on Earth?
Phosphorus is most commonly found in rock formations and ocean sediments as phosphate salts. Phosphate salts that are released from rocks through weathering usually dissolve in soil water and will be absorbed by plants.
Which is more stable white or red phosphorus?
Red Phosphorus has more atoms linked together in a network than white phosphorus does, which makes it much more stable. It is not quite as flammable, but given enough energy it still reacts with air.
Can red phosphorus react with water?
Red phosphorus can react with hydrogen to produce phosphine – but not with hot water .
Is white phosphorus banned?
The use of white phosphorus is not banned under international convention when it is used as an obscurant – to make a smokescreen or to illuminate a target (white phosphorus glows green when exposed to oxygen). To use it for incendiary weapons in civilian areas is banned under the Geneva convention.
