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phosphorus [P]
From the Greek phosphoros meaning bringer of light. Discovered in 1669 by German physician Henning Brandt.
Occurrence:
1) widely distributed in many minerals
2) occurs esp as phosphates
3) phosphate rock containing apatite is an important source
Characteristics:
1) nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family
2) ordinary phosphorus is a waxy white soft solid
3) white, red & black allotropes
4) red phosphorus is powdery
5) phosphorus ignites spontaneously in air
6) in damp air, phosphorus glows in the dark by chemiluminescence
7) reacts vigorously with all halogens
Uses:
1) essential component of living systems (phosphates)
2) fertilizers
3) insecticides
4) detergents
5) foods
Related
inorganic phosphate; inorganic phosphorous
periodic table
phospho-anhydride
phosphoester
Specific
phosphorus-32 P[32]
General
chemical element
Properties
SIZE: AW = 30.974
atomic number
VALUE: 15
VALENCE: NE 3S2 3P3
Database Correlations
PUBCHEM cid=123286
References
- Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Miriam-
Webster Inc. Springfield, MA 1990
- Chemical & Engineering News, Sept 8, 2003
Component-of
phosphorus/potassium