Red Phosphorus

Red phosphorus is an allotrope of phosphorus—a distinct structural form of the same chemical element. Unlike its highly reactive cousin white phosphorus, red phosphorus is significantly more stable and safer to handle, making it invaluable across numerous industrial applications.Red phosphorus is an allotrope of phosphorus—a distinct structural form of the same chemical element.

Unlike its highly reactive cousin white phosphorus, red phosphorus is significantly more stable and safer to handle, making it invaluable across numerous industrial applications.

Physical Properties

Red phosphorus appears as a dark red to violet powder or crystalline solid.

It’s non-toxic under normal handling conditions and doesn’t ignite spontaneously in air at room temperature, unlike white phosphorus which can combust at temperatures as low as 30°C.

This stability comes from its polymeric structure, where phosphorus atoms bond in complex chains and networks rather than the simple tetrahedral molecules found in white phosphorus.

Key Applications

  • Flame Retardants: One of red phosphorus’s primary uses is in flame retardant formulations for plastics, textiles, and electronic components. When heated, it releases compounds that interfere with combustion processes, making materials more fire-resistant.
  • Safety Matches: Red phosphorus is the active ingredient on the striking surface of safety matchboxes. When the match head (containing potassium chlorate and other oxidizers) strikes this surface, the friction generates enough heat to ignite the match safely and controllably.
  • Semiconductors and Electronics: High-purity red phosphorus serves as a dopant in semiconductor manufacturing and appears in specialized electronic applications.
  • Chemical Synthesis: It acts as a reagent in various organic chemistry reactions and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Safety and Handling

While much safer than white phosphorus, red phosphorus still requires proper handling. It should be stored away from oxidizing agents and moisture, as it can slowly convert to more reactive forms under certain conditions. Industrial users should follow standard chemical safety protocols including appropriate ventilation and protective equipment.

Red phosphorus represents an excellent example of how the same element can exhibit dramatically different properties depending on its molecular structure, making it both scientifically fascinating and practically indispensable.

Red Phosphorus

Item Specification
Product Name Red Phosphorus
CAS Number 7723-14-0
Chemical Formula P
Atomic Weight 30.97
Packaging 50 kg / 150 kg metal drums
Grade Regular, Fine, Super Fine