Yellow Phosphorus
Yellow phosphorus (P4), also known as white phosphorus due to its pale-yellow appearance, is a highly reactive non-metallic element and one of the most important building blocks in phosphorus chemistry. It serves as a critical upstream raw material for the production of phosphoric acid, phosphoric anhydride, phosphine, phosphorus trichloride, and other essential phosphorus derivatives used across modern industry. Through these downstream products, yellow phosphorus supports a broad range of applications.
| Properties | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | P4 |
| Molecular Weight | 123.895 g/mol |
| Purity | 99.9% |
| Melting Point (°C) | 44.1 |
| Arsenic Content (ppm) | 150 max. |
| Sulphur Content (ppm) | 50 max. |
| CAS No. | 12185-10-3 |
| Appearance | White/yellow to greenish waxy solid |
Applications
Agriculture
Used in the production of phosphorus derivatives for fertilizers, crop protection chemicals, pesticides, and glyphosate-related value chains.
Food and Specialty Phosphates
Supports the manufacture of phosphoric acid and phosphate-based compounds used in food processing and specialty phosphate applications.
Water Treatment and Cleaning Chemicals
Enables downstream products such as trisodium phosphate and other phosphorus compounds used in cleaning formulations, water softening, scale prevention, and corrosion control in industrial water systems.
Electronics and Semiconductor Materials
Through phosphoric acid and other high-purity phosphorus derivatives, Yellow Phosphorus supports advanced electronics applications including semiconductor processing and precision chemical uses.
Flame Retardants and Safety Materials
Feeds into phosphorus compounds and red phosphorus applications used in flame retardants, safety matches, smoke devices, and specialty safety materials.
Industrial and Specialty Chemicals
Serves as a key raw material for phosphoric anhydride, phosphorus pentoxide, phosphorus pentachloride, phosphorus trichloride, phosphine, and other intermediates used across chemical manufacturing.
Metalworking and Metallurgy
Used in applications involving steels, phosphor bronze, and other metallurgical products where phosphorus-based materials play a functional role.
Lubricants, Additives, and Performance Chemicals
Supports the production of organophosphorus compounds used as dispersing agents, chelating agents, and specialty performance additives.
Mining, Energy, and Heavy Industry
Phosphorus derivatives are used in industrial processing environments where water treatment, corrosion control, and specialty chemical performance are critical.