Substance profile
Diphosphorus pentasulphide
Diphosphorus pentasulphide is gray to yellow-green crystals with odor of rotten eggs.
01 · Identification
What Diphosphorus pentasulphide is
Diphosphorus pentasulphide is gray to yellow-green crystals with odor of rotten eggs. Its molecular formula is P4S10 and its molecular weight is 444.6 g/mol. It boils at 515 °C, melts at 285 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 2nd degree.
Other names for Diphosphorus pentasulphide
- phosphorus pentasulphide
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 |
|---|---|
| H228 | Flammable solid. |
| H260 | In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH029
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P273, P301, P304, P312, P330, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Diphosphorus pentasulphide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 515 °C (959 °F) | HSDB | |
| 513.89 °C (957 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 513.89 °C (957 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 285 °C (545 °F) | HSDB | |
| 287.78 °C (550 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 275 °C (527 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 2.03 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 2.09 g/cm³ | NIOSH | ||
| 2.03 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | INSOL IN COLD WATER; SOL IN CARBON DISULFIDE: 0.22 G/100 CC. | HSDB | |
| Sol in carbon disulfide, aqueous soln of alkali hydroxides | HSDB | ||
| In water, 1.17X10-6 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 1 mmHg | at 300 °C | HSDB |
| Autoignition temperature | 141.67 °C (287 °F) | HSDB | |
| 142.22 °C (288 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 142 °C (287.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Moderate, in solid form by spontaneous chemical reaction. | HSDB | |
| Explosive of a flame. | in the presence | HSDB | |
| Containers may explode in fire. | HSDB | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 0.0047 [mg/m3] | Haz-Map | |
| An odor threshold of 0.0047 ppm for phosphorus pentasulfide has been reported. [ACGIH] Vapor pressure = 1 mm Hg at 300 °C | at 300 °C, at 1 mmHg (reduced pressure) | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Diphosphorus pentasulphide
Storage conditions
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from moisture, water, alcohols, strong oxidizers, acids, alkalies. Where possible, automatically transfer material from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where this chemical is handled, used, or stored. Metal containers involving the transfer of this chemical should be grounded and bonded. Wherever this chemical is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Readily liberates toxic hydrogen sulfide and phosphorus pentoxide and evolves heat on contact with moisture ... Reacts with water, steam, or acids to produce toxic flammable vapors; can react vigorously with oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
PHOSPHORUS PENTASULFIDE reacts vigorously with strong oxidants. Exothermically violent decomposition reaction with water, steam or acids to produce irritating fumes of phosphorus pentaoxide and highly toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. May ignite in contact with limited amounts of water [Haz. Chem. Data, 1975, p. 239]. Can be ignited by sparks or friction and its dust presents an explosion hazard in air at sufficient concentrations. Hydrogen sulfide gas evolved from reactions with water may also form explosive mixtures with air.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Diphosphorus pentasulphid… in the storage compatibility matrix →