Substance profile
Magnesium phosphide
Magnesium phosphide is yellow cubic crystals.
01 · Identification
What Magnesium phosphide is
Magnesium phosphide is yellow cubic crystals. It melts at 750 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Magnesium phosphide
- trimagnesium diphosphide
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
Magnesium 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 | 750 °C (1382 °F) | above this value | ICSC |
| Density | 2.06 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 2.1 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| Solubility | Reacts with water | HSDB | |
| In water, 0.01 g/L | HSDB | ||
| Solubility in water: reaction | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | ... When released too quickly in a confined area, fire and/or explosions may occur. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Magnesium phosphide
Incompatible materials
Ignites when heated in chlorine, bromine, or iodine.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
MAGNESIUM PHOSPHIDE is a strong reducing agent. Nitric acid oxidizes MAGNESIUM PHOSPHIDE with incandescence [Mellor 8:842. 1946-47]. It ignites on heating with chlorine, bromine, or iodine vapors, [Mellor, 1940, Vol. 8, 842]. It reacts vigorously with most oxidants.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Magnesium phosphide in the storage compatibility matrix →