| Names | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| IUPAC names Tetraphosphorus trisulfide or 3,5,7-trithia-1,2,4,6-tetraphosphatricyclo[2.2.1.02,6]heptane | |||
| Other names phosphorus trisulfide, phosphorus sesquisulfide, phosphorus sulfide | |||
| Identifiers | |||
3D model (JSmol) | |||
| ChemSpider |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.013.860 | ||
| RTECS number |
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| UNII | |||
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| Properties | |||
| P4S3 | |||
| Molar mass | 220.093 g/mol | ||
| Appearance | Yellow, yellow-green or gray solid | ||
| Density | 2.08 g.cm3,[1] solid | ||
| Melting point | 172.5 °C (342.5 °F; 445.6 K) | ||
| Boiling point | 408 °C (766 °F; 681 K) | ||
| Structure | |||
| orthorhombic,Schönflies notation D2h | |||
| Pmnb | |||
| C3v | |||
| Related compounds | |||
Related compounds | |||
| Hazards | |||
| Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH): | |||
Main hazards | Irritant | ||
| GHS labelling: | |||
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |||
Phosphorus sesquisulfide is theinorganic compound with theformulaP4S3. It was developed byHenri Sevene andEmile David Cahen in 1898 as part of their invention offriction matches that did not pose the health hazards ofwhite phosphorus.[2][3] This yellow solid is one of two commercially producedphosphorus sulfides. It is a component of "strike anywhere" matches.
Depending on purity, samples can appear yellow-green to grey. The compound was discovered by G. Lemoine and first produced safely incommercial quantities in 1898 byAlbright and Wilson. It dissolves in an equal weight ofcarbon disulfide (CS2), and in a 1:50 weight ratio ofbenzene. Unlike some other phosphorus sulfides,P4S3 is slow to hydrolyze and has a well-defined melting point.
The molecule has C3vsymmetry. It is a derivative of the tetrahedral (P4) unit from insertion of sulfur into three P-P bonds. The P-S and P-P distances are 2.090 and 2.235 Å, respectively.P4Se3 andP4S3 adopt the same structures.[1] These compounds can be melted together and form mixed crystals of one dissolved in the other.[4] Under higher temperatures, mixed chalcogenide moleculesP4S2Se andP4SSe2 will form.[5]
P4S3 is produced by the reaction of red or white phosphorus with sulfur. Excess sulfur givesphosphorus pentasulfide (P4S10). It is estimated that 150 ton/y were produced in 1989.[6]
P4S3 andpotassium chlorate, together with other materials, composes the heads of "strike-anywherematches".[7]
Its flash point is about 100 °C.[8]
Exposure to "strike anywhere" matches containing phosphorus sesquisulfide can causecontact dermatitis, usually in the pocket area but also on the face.[9] Exposure over a long period of time to burning match tips (containing phosphorussesquisulfide) can result in a recurring severe primary dermatitis about the eyes and face. Loosening of the teeth has also been reported which may have been due to phosphorus poisoning.[10]
This article contains public domain text from the NOAA as cited.