How to use white phosphorus without ignite it?

  • Thread starter Chitose
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation discusses the use of white phosphorus in matches and its potential for igniting upon contact with air. It is mentioned that early matches used antimony sulfide instead of white phosphorus, but the latter became popular after its discovery in 1830. The conversation also explores the techniques used to prevent white phosphorus from igniting, such as keeping it under water or mixing it with an inert substance. There is also a mention of the use of white phosphorus in special effects and in the Sherlock Holmes story, "Hound of the Baskervilles". The conversation ends with questions about the safety precautions and methods for preventing white phosphorus from bursting into flame.
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
As long as it is under water it is not in a direct contact with the air, so it doesn't ignite.

From the same wikipedia article:

Lucifers were however quickly replaced after the discovery in 1830 by Frenchman Charles Sauria who substituted the antimony sulfide with white phosphorus.[15] These new phosphorus matches had to be kept in airtight metal boxes but became popular.
 
  • #3
yeah, but how they mix in match head in the first place?
 
  • #4
Perhaps they used wet pasta and the phosphorus was exposed when the mix was dried.

Plenty techniques that could be used.
 
  • #5
Borek said:
As long as it is under water it is not in a direct contact with the air, so it doesn't ignite.
I have another related question that doesn't involve matches.
White phosphorus glows on contact with air. This is a type of chemoluminescence, not fire. The greenish glow of white phosphorus was used for nineteenth century special effects. The chemoluminescence was there without full combustion.
The Sherlock Holmes story, "Hound of the Baskervilles" by Conan Doyle, uses white phosphorus in the climax. I am not sure, but I don't think this is science fiction. White phosphorus glows.
How did people, using the chemoluminescence of white phosphorus, prevent it from bursting into flame?
Maybe white phosphorus is only slightly flammable. However, I know how deadly white phosphorus can be in war. So maybe the owner didn't mind the risk to the dog. However, there must have been some safety precautions when using white phosphorus.
1) Did the first matches, which used white phosphorus, glow green when exposed to air?
2) Did people using the chemoluminescence of white phosphoruse just keep it away from flame?
3) Did people mix white phosphorus with some inert substance that prevented flame?
 

1. What is white phosphorus and why is it dangerous?

White phosphorus is a highly reactive chemical element that is commonly used in military weapons, fireworks, and fertilizers. It is dangerous because it can spontaneously ignite when exposed to air and can cause severe burns and respiratory problems if inhaled.

2. How can white phosphorus be used without igniting it?

White phosphorus can be used safely by keeping it in an oxygen-free environment, such as underwater or in an inert gas like nitrogen. It can also be stored in a sealed container or mixed with other substances to make it less reactive.

3. What precautions should be taken when handling white phosphorus?

When handling white phosphorus, it is important to wear protective gear, such as gloves and a face mask, to avoid direct contact with the skin or inhalation. It should also be kept away from sources of heat or ignition, and any spills should be cleaned up immediately.

4. Can white phosphorus be used in everyday materials?

White phosphorus is not commonly used in everyday materials due to its hazardous nature. However, it can be found in small amounts in matches and fertilizers. It is important to follow proper safety protocols when handling these materials.

5. What are the alternatives to using white phosphorus?

There are several alternatives to using white phosphorus, such as red phosphorus, which is less reactive and less toxic. Other alternatives include using non-chemical methods, such as mechanical or biological means, for achieving similar results in military or industrial applications.

Similar threads

Do phosphorus allotropes produce the same liquid?
    • Chemistry
Replies
1
Views
1K
What influences ignition temperature and oxygen consumption
    • Chemistry
Replies
4
Views
1K
Automotive Points ignition output voltage and length?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
17
Views
3K
Chemically regenerating my auto's catalytic converter?
    • Chemistry
Replies
16
Views
2K
Dalton's atomic theory, Avogadro, and caloric theory
    • Chemistry
Replies
4
Views
2K
How Can I Design a Tokamak to Ignite Ordinary Air and Control Plasma Diameter?
    • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
1
Views
6K
Science white paper on miniproteins
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
1K
Can large static discharge cause vision to see white flash?
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
8
Views
2K
Can Na2PdCl4 be used as a substitute for PdCl2 in electroless copper plating?
    • Chemistry
Replies
1
Views
2K
I How is IR ink able to be seen with specialized filters?
    • Optics
Replies
3
Views
801

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top