Phosphorous is one of the essential element on the periodic table with chemical symbol "P" which was found in the year 1669 by Germany scientist, Hennig Brand (chemistryexplained, 2018). Emseley believes that it was discovered in Rome, Italy and then secretly disappeared via ages (2013). Antoine Lavoisier rediscovered the element in the year 1777. According to Emseley, phosphorous exist in two forms; white phosphorous and red phosphorous (2013).
1.2 First isolation
In the isolation of the element, the white phosphorous emitted an elegant glow when in close contact with atmospheric oxygen. In recent years, urine of human and bone ash were significant sources of protein. DNA, RNA, ATP, and phospholipids are a few examples of phosphate that support life. Phosphorous is also essential in the production of phosphate fertilizer, pesticides, detergent among others (Kleinman, A. et al. 2014). Scientists are still discovering more uses of phosphorous.
1.3 Naming
Elemental phosphorous after isolation in 1669 was found to emit a faint glow on exposure to oxygen- hence the name Φωσφόρος from Greek origin meaning ‘light bearer’ (Kleinman, A. et al. 2014). This property of phosphorous came out with the term “phosphorescence” meaning grow after illumination.
1.4 Historical uses
Historically this element was used in the treatment of a variety of diseases from gout to tuberculosis. In around 1710, Johann lincke who was a German apothecary sold pills allegedly containing 200mg of yellow phosphorus in the treatment of asthmatic fevers, gout, colic, apoplexy, and even tetanus.
2. Physical properties
2.1 IUPAC name
Phosphorous is its IUPAC name
2.2 Atomic number
Phosphorous has an atomic mass of 30.9737 (sciencelearn.org, (2018).
2.3 Molar mass
The molar mass of phosphorous is 123.88 g/mol.
2.4 Most common isotopes
Only one naturally occurring isotope exists, namely phosphorous-31.
2.5 Group
The element is in group 15.
2.6 Period
Phosphorous is in period 3 of the periodic table.
2.7 Category
Phosphorous is a non-metal
2.8 Electronic configuration
Phosphorous is a d-block element with electron configuration of 1s22s22p63s23p3 ( lenntech, 2018)
2.9 Physical appearance at room temperature
At room temperature, phosphorous occurs in solid form.
2.10 Melting point
White phosphorous has a melting point of 44.1°C (111°F), and the red one has a melting point of about 590° C (1,090 °F) (Faraday, 2014). The black phosphorous on the other hand has a melting point of 589.1°C.
2.11 Boiling point
White phosphorous has a boiling point of 280°C (536°F) while the red one has a boiling point of 280.5 °C.
2.12 Density
The white, and red phosphorous have Density of 1.823 g/cm3 and 2.3 g/cm3 respectively. On the other hand, black phosphorous has a density of 3.56 to 3.83 g/cm3.
2.13Solubility
Generally, phosphorous is soluble in chloroform, benzene carbon disulfide, and oils.
2.14 Other properties
Phosphorous is non-metallic, and therefore it is neither metalloid nor ductile. However, it is a conductor with an electrical conductivity of 1×107 S/m and at the same time with a resistivity of 1×10-7 m Ω.
3. Chemical properties
3.1
Reactivity
White phosphorous occur at room temperature and reacts readily with air. The reaction of phosphorus with oxygen is usually spontaneous and may cause a fire. Therefore, it is commonly advisable to store the element under water to prevent further reactions
Phosphorous react with halogens such as chlorine and fluorine to form compounds. It also combines with metals to form compounds known as phosphides.
3.2 Uses
White phosphorous is used in flares as well as incendiary devices. On the other hand, red phosphorous is useful n match boxes where it is stuck on the sides used to strike safety matches against to light them.
Phosphorous compounds are by far used in fertilizers. Moreover, this element is also essential in the production of steel, special glasses as well as fine chinaware.
3.3 Other Important information of the element
The only prime commercial source of phosphorous is phosphate rock also referred to as calcium phosphate.
The group name of phosphorous is Pnictogen.
Phosphorous has six radioactive isotopes.
References
Chemistryexplained (2018).Chemical Element - reaction, water, uses, elements, metal, gas, number, name. Retrieved from http://www.chemistryexplained.com/elements/L-P/Phosphorus.html
Emseley, T. (2013). Shocking History of Phosphorus. Macmillan; ISBN: 0333766385
Faraday, M. (2014). Michael Faraday's 'Chemical Notes, Hints, Suggestions and Objects of Pursuit' of 1822. Stevenage: IET.
Kleinman, A. et al. (2014).Amounts, Forms, and Solubility of Phosphorus in Soils Receiving Manure .
Sciencelearn.org , (2018).The phosphorus cycle. Retrieved from https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/961-the-phosphorus-cycle
www.lenntech.com, (2018). Phosphorus (P) - Chemical properties, Health and Environmental effects. Retrieved from https://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/p.htm
