Phosphorus pentoxide

Phosphorus pentoxide is a chemical compound with molecular formula P₄O₁₀, more often written as P₂O₅.

Properties

Chemical

Phosphorus pentoxide is the anhydride of phosphoric acid. It will react exothermically with water to yield the said acid.

Physical

Phosphorous pentoxide is a white solid, with a pungent odor and strong deliquescent. Its density is 2.30 g/cm³. It boils at 423 °C under atmospheric pressure; if heated more rapidly it can sublimate.

Availability

Phosphorus pentoxide is sold by chemical suppliers.

Preparation

Phosphorus pentoxide can be made by burning elemental phosphorus.

Projects

• Dry solvents, especially the halogenated ones, which cannot be dried with alkali metals
• Make pure phosphoric acid
• Convert primary amides into nitriles
• Make dinitrogen pentoxide
• Make dichlorine heptoxide

Handling

Safety

It is an extremely powerful desiccant, and contact with bare hand must be avoided.

Storage

In closed and sealed bottles, away from any moisture.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• P2O5 and P4O10
• Recycling Phosphorus Pentoxide