Phosphorus Writing
Description: A solution of white phosphorus in carbon disulfide is used as “ink” to write on brown paper wrapped fastened to a thermally resistant material. The paper eventually chars, revealing the message.
Source: UW Card Catalog
Year: N/A Vol: N/A Page: N/A
Keywords: Spontaneous combustion, Thermochemistry, White Phosphorus, Writing
Rating: 
Hazard: High
- Acute toxicity hazard
- Flammability hazard
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Serious eye damage
- Oxidizer hazard
- Carcinogenicity hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Dermal toxicity hazard
- Burn hazard
- Specific organ toxicity – PNS, CNS, liver. kidneys, cardiovascular system
Effectiveness: Good
- Results are clearly observable without guidance
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Time to results is low
- Clear contrast between systems behavior
- Strong effects are seen by audience
- Time to results is medium
- Moderate reliability
Difficulty: High
- Use of air-sensitive systems or reagents
- Use of flammable or toxic reagents
- Requires attention to detail
- Demos that require training to perform correctly or safely
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Downdraft hood required
- Perform on a chemically resistant surface
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Absorbent materials on hand
- Avoid exposure to mists, droplets, dusts, or vapors
- Water on hand
Class: Main Group Elements, Groups VB and IVB
Division: General, Inorganic Chemistry
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