Thermochemistry- Spontaneous Combustion of White Phosphorus

Spontaneous Combustion of White Phosphorous

Description: A solution of white phosphorus in carbon disulfide is used to write on paper. Within a few minutes, the carbon disulfide evaporates and the paper chars.

This demonstration is available on video and JCE Software: “Chemistry Comes Alive!” CD-Rom Vol. 3

Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry

Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 74

Keywords: White Phosphorus, Carbon disulfide, Paper, Spontaneous combustion

Rating:

Hazard: High

• Acute toxicity hazard – oral, inhalation
• Skin corrosion hazard
• Serious eye damage
• Short term aquatic toxicity hazard
• Flammability hazard
• Pyrophoric solids
• Reproductive hazard
• Repeated exposure hazard – central nervous system, peripheral nervous system

Effectiveness: Good

• Somewhat connected to course material
• Time to results is medium
• Good reliability
• Strong effects are seen by audience
• Results are clearly observable without guidance

Difficulty: Medium

• Simple procedures
• Simple manipulations for most to perform
• Use and handling of highly toxic and pyrophoric reagents
• Handling of high vapor pressure reagents

Safety Precautions:

• Eye protection required
• Gloves required
• Lab coat recommended
• Downdraft hood or fume hood required
• Use of chemically resistant surface
• Perform in a large, well-ventilated area
• ABC fire extinguisher on hand
• Absorbent material on hand
• Water on hand
• Prevent release of reagents to the environment

Class: Combustion Reaction,  Main Group Elements, Thermochemistry

Division: General

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