Phosphorus(V) oxide

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Phosphorus pentoxide)
Bottle of phosphorus(V) oxide

Phosphorus(V) oxide, also known as phosphorus pentoxide, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is P4O10. It contains phosphorus and oxide ions. It contains phosphorus in its +5 oxidation state.

Properties[change | change source]

Phosphorus(V) oxide is a colourless solid. It has a strong odor. It dissolves in water to produce phosphoric acid. It can corrode metals. It is irritating to the skin. It can make bad burns.

Preparation[change | change source]

It is made by burning phosphorus into high amounts of air.

Uses[change | change source]

It is used to dry things out because it absorbs water. It dries things out from acids like nitric acid to organic compounds like carboxylic acids.

Safety[change | change source]

Phosphorus(V) oxide is corrosive. Its vapors are toxic and burn the eyes and skin. It also irritates skin and eyes.

Related pages[change | change source]