Phosphides Phosphine

The heat sensitivity (above) may explain the explosions which occur on contact of many readily oxidisable materials with this powerful oxidant. Such materials include ammonia, potassium arsenic, antimony sulfur, charcoal (adsorptive heating may also contribute) calcium phosphide, phosphine, phosphorus hydrogen sulfide, antimony sulfide, barium sulfide, mercury sulfide and tin sulfide [1], Various organic materials (paper, cork, rubber, turpentine, etc.) behave similarly [2]. Mixtures with hydrogen detonate on ignition [1]. 

Potassium phosphides.-—Phosphine reacts with a solution of potassium in liquefied ammonia to form potassium dihydrophosphide, KH2P, white crystals decomposed by moist air with evolution of phosphine.1 On heating, it is converted into tripotassium phosphide, K3P. A solution of potassium in liquefied ammonia reacts with red phosphorus to form potassium pentaphosphide, KPfi.2 The black product formed from potassium and phosphorus loses its excess of metal in vacuum at 400° to 450° C., yielding dipotassium pentaphosphide, K2P5. It is a lemon-yellow substance with a density of about 2, is unstable in air, and is decomposed by water with formation of solid phosphorus hydride.3... 

ACGIH TLV TWA 2 mg(Al)/m3 DOT CLASSIFICATION 4.3 Label Dangerous When Wet, Poison SAFETY PROFILE A poison. Dangerous fire hazard. Evolves spontaneously flammable PH3 in contact with water. See also PHOSPHIDES, PHOSPHINE,... 

Phosphine gas is rapidly absorbed through the lungs following inhalation, hollowing ingestion of aluminum phosphide, phosphine gas is generated which is... 

Classic exterminators of field rodents are zinc phosphide (ZnjPj) and calcium phosphide (CUjPj), dark grey powders with the smell of rotting fish. These compounds are insoluble in water but, by the action of water, hydrogen phosphide, phosphine (HjP), is formed, and this exerts the toxic action in the stomachs of rodents (Chefurka et al., 1976). 

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