Phosphorus(V) oxide

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

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

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

Uses

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

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

Related pages

• Phosphorus(III) oxide
• Hypophosphite
• Phosphite