We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Materials

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Industrial Uses of Phosphorus Pentaoxide?

By Paul Scott
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,965
Share

Phosphorus pentaoxide is a white crystalline chemical produced by burning elemental phosphorous. It is highly water-absorbent, making it a useful component in a variety of industrial applications. These include various chemical processes, the manufacture of optical or heat-resistant glass, and the purification of sugar. It is also frequently used as a desiccant and in the manufacture of pesticides and surfactants. Phosphorus pentaoxide should be treated with care, as it can react violently with several elements including large volumes of water.

When elemental phosphorus is burned in an oxygen-rich atmosphere, an anhydride of phosphoric acid is formed known as phosphorus pentaoxide. Also known as phosphorus pentoxide, phosphorus oxide, and phosphorus anhydride, the compound is a white crystalline powder with a penetrating odor and powerful hygroscopic properties. This means that phosphorus pentaoxide possesses a very strong affinity to water and will absorb any moisture to which it is exposed. In fact, if exposed to large volumes of water, the chemical reacts extremely violently.

This water-absorbing characteristic is put to good use in a number of industrial and food processing applications. These include the production of high quality optical and heat-resistant glass products, such as lenses and cookware. It is also commonly used in a variety of chemical processes to produce ammonium phosphate fertilizers, pesticides, and surface tension altering agents, as well as in a variety of reagent roles in chemical synthesis and polymerization.

Phosphorus pentaoxide has several other applications in the industrial sector. It is used in the food industry as a purification agent for sugar. Its water-absorbing abilities are also harnessed in the form of desiccant agents for moisture sensitive equipment. The compound is also frequently utilized in the manufacture of some medicines, printing, and dyeing agents, and a range of anti-static additives.

As mentioned previously, phosphorus pentaoxide can react very violently when exposed to excessive amounts of water. It also reacts vigorously with a number of other elements including alcohols, base metals, and sodium, as well as potassium, ammonia, and peroxides, magnesium and many oxidizing agents. It is also toxic when absorbed through the skin or inhaled, and can be fatal if swallowed. In addition, phosphorus pentaoxide is destructive to mucous membranes and can lead to permanent eye damage or serious burns where contacting the eyes or wet skin. It goes without saying that the compound's use and storage should be treated with extreme caution and all necessary safety measures should be adhered to, as well as relevant safety equipment be used at all times.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-are-the-industrial-uses-of-phosphorus-pentaoxide.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.