15 30.974
P
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.

 

  • Listed below are a selection of some more commonly used sizes. If you do not see anything that suits your needs, please click on the custom request forms and send us your requirements.
View Product Specification
Filter

Form

P1-10003-P

PCl5 -60 Mesh 99.9% Pure

Phosphorus Chloride

8 UN1809 PG I

P1-10004-P

P2O3 -100 Mesh 99.9% Pure

Phosphorus Oxide

8 UN1807 PG II

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 nD (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.