International Chemical Safety Cards

PHOSPHORUS PENTOXIDE

ICSC: 0545

Diphosphorus pentoxide
Phosphoric anhydride
Phosphorus pentaoxide
P₂O₅
Molecular mass: 141.9

ICSC #    0545
CAS #     1314-56-3
RTECS # TH3945000
UN #        1807
EC #         015-010-00-0
April 09, 1997 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO contact with water and combustibles.	Powder, carbon dioxide, dry sand. NO hydrous agents.
EXPLOSION

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION	Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	Pain. Blisters. Skin burns.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention. Wear protective gloves when administering first aid.
•EYES	Pain. Redness. Severe deep burns.	Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation. Diarrhoea. Sore throat. Vomiting.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Do NOT induce vomiting. Rest. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers. Cautiously neutralize remainder with soda ash or calcium carbonate. Wash away remainder with plenty of water (extra personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Separated from combustible and reducing substances, strong oxidants, strong bases, food and feedstuffs, water. Dry.

Airtight. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
C symbol
R: 35
S: 1/2-22-26-45
UN Hazard Class: 8
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0545

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

PHOSPHORUS PENTOXIDE

ICSC: 0545

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T

D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
HYGROSCOPIC, WHITE CRYSTALS OR POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The solution in water is a strong acid, it reacts violently with bases and is corrosive. Reacts violently with perchloric acid causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with water forming phosphoric acid. Attacks many metals in presence of water.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.
MAK: ppm; 1 mg/m³; (1996).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of dust of this substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Sublimation point: 360°C
Melting point: 340°C

Relative density (water = 1): 2.4
Solubility in water: reaction

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. NEVER pour water into this substance; when dissolving or diluting always add it slowly to the water.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-80G03
NFPA Code: H2; F0; R2;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0545	PHOSPHORUS PENTOXIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.