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Red Phosphorus
Joan Reinbold
Red phosphorus is the second
most common type of phosphorus, being an allotrope of the element. It was
discovered in the 1800s and has a variety of applications.
Features
Red phosphorus is nontoxic,
odorless and active chemically, though not highly. It is dark red, and unlike
white phosphorus, is not phosphorescent.
Atomic Structure
Red phosphorus's atomic
structure is made up of four tedrahedrally grouped phosphorus atoms. These
atoms link into chains.
Production
Red phosphorus can be made
from heat-treating white phosphorus in sealed containers or by exposing it to
sunlight.
History
Red phosphorus was
discovered in 1845 by Anton von Schrötter, an Austrian chemist. He put white
phosphorus in a flask that contained nitrogen and heated it to around 482
degrees F for a few hours.
Function
Red phosphorus is used in
the production of semiconductors, pyrotechnics, fertilizers, safety matches,
pesticides, smoke bombs, incendiary shells in organic synthesis reactions and
certain flame retardants. It is also used in electroluminescent coatings.
Warning
Red phosphorus is used in
the making of methamphetamine (meth), an illegal drug. In this process, red
phosphorus is mixed with iodine to produce hydriodic acid.
Joan
Reinbold is a writer, author of six
books, blogs and makes videos. She has been a tutor for students, library assistant,
certified dental assistant and business owner. She has lived (and gardened) on
three continents, learning home renovation in the process. She received her
Bachelor of Arts in 2006.
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