Physical Properties
Appearance: Dark gray or reddish-brown crystalline solidDensity: 2.51 g/cm³Melting Point: Decomposes before meltingBoiling Point: DecomposesSolubility:
- Reacts violently with water to produce phosphine gas (PH₃)
- Insoluble in organic solvents
Reactivity:
- Highly reactive with water and acids, forming toxic and flammable phosphine gas (PH₃)
- Can ignite spontaneously in air due to phosphine release
Hazards:
- Toxicity: Highly toxic if inhaled or ingested
- Irritation: Causes severe irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory system
- Fire Hazard: Releases flammable and pyrophoric phosphine gas, posing fire and explosion risks
Applications:
- Used as a fumigant for rodent and insect control
- Used in signal flares and fireworks
- Intermediate in some chemical syntheses