Calcium phosphide (CP) is the inorganic compound with the system Ca3P2. It’s one in all a number of phosphides of calcium, being described because the salt-like materials composed of Ca2+ and P3−. Different, extra unique calcium phosphides have the system CaP, CaP3, Ca2P2, and Ca5P8.
Ca3P2 has the looks of red-brown crystalline powder or gray lumps. Its commerce title is Photophor for the incendiary use or Polytanol for the use as rodenticide.[1]
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Preparation and construction[edit]
It could be shaped by response of the weather,[2] however it’s extra generally ready by carbothermal discount of calcium phosphate:[3]
The construction of the room temperature type of Ca3P2 has not been confirmed by X-ray crystallography. A excessive temperature section has been characterised by Rietveld refinement. Ca2+ facilities are octahedral.[2]
Makes use of[edit]
Metallic phosphides are used as a rodenticide. A mix of meals and calcium phosphide is left the place the rodents can eat it. The acid within the digestive system of the rodent reacts with the phosphide to generate the poisonous gasoline phosphine. This technique of vermin management has potential use in locations the place rodents proof against most of the frequent warfarin-type (anticoagulant) poisons have appeared. Different pesticides much like calcium phosphide are zinc phosphide and aluminium phosphide.
Calcium phosphide can also be utilized in fireworks, torpedoes, self-igniting naval pyrotechnic flares, and varied water-activated ammunition. In the course of the Twenties and Thirties, Charles Kingsford Smith used separate buoyant canisters of calcium carbide and calcium phosphide as naval flares lasting as much as ten minutes. It’s speculated that calcium phosphide—made by boiling bones in urine, inside a closed vessel—was an ingredient of some historic Greek hearth formulation.[4]
Calcium phosphide is a typical impurity in calcium carbide, which can trigger the ensuing phosphine-contaminated acetylene to ignite spontaneously.[5]
Security issues[edit]
On contact with acids or water, the fabric releases phosphine, which is poisonous and is instantly ignited.
See additionally[edit] – “calcium phosphide formula”
References[edit]
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