Substance profile
Aluminum Phosphide
Aluminum Phosphide is dark gray or dark yellow crystals with a garlic odor.
01 · Identification
What Aluminum Phosphide is
Aluminum Phosphide is dark gray or dark yellow crystals with a garlic odor. Its molecular formula is AlP and its molecular weight is 57.955 g/mol. It melts at 2550 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 4th degree.
Other names for Aluminum Phosphide
- aluminium phosphide
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H260 | In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH029, EUH032
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P330, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Aluminum Phosphide properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 2550 °C (4622 °F) | HSDB | |
| 2500 °C (4532 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 1000 °C (1832 °F) | decomposes | CAMEO | |
| Density | 2.9 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 2.4 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 2.85 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Solubility | Reacts with water | HSDB | |
| Though stable when dry, it reacts with moist air, and violently with acids. | HSDB | ||
| Solubility in water: reaction | ICSC | ||
| Vapor pressure | Very low, even at 1000 °C | at 1000 °C | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Aluminum Phosphide
Storage conditions
Always keep container closed, dry. Store in a noncombustible, nonsprinklered building away from all combustible material. Isolate from strong acids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
... In contact with water, steam or alkali it slowly yields /phosphine/ which is spontaneously flammable in air.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ALUMINUM PHOSPHIDE is a reducing agent. Contact with mineral acids causes explosive evolution of toxic phosphine [Wang, C. C. et al., J. Inorg. Nucl. Chem., 1963, 25, p. 327]. Heating produces highly toxic fumes of phosphorus oxides. Can react vigorously upon contact with oxidizing agents. [Sax, 9th ed., p. 119].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Aluminum Phosphide in the storage compatibility matrix →