Substance profile
Tetraphosphorus trisulphide
Tetraphosphorus trisulphide is yellow-green orthogonal crystals.
01 · Identification
What Tetraphosphorus trisulphide is
Tetraphosphorus trisulphide is yellow-green orthogonal crystals. Its molecular formula is P4S3 and its molecular weight is 220.1 g/mol. It boils at 408 °C, melts at 173 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 2nd degree.
Other names for Tetraphosphorus trisulphide
- phosphorus sesquisulphid
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. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
Precautionary statements: P270, P273, P301, P312, P330, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Tetraphosphorus trisulphide 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 | 407.5 °C (765.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| Melting point | 172.5 °C (342.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 2.03 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| Solubility | Solubility in benzene = 2.5 g/100g at 17 °C, 17 g/100g at 80 °C | at 17 °C | HSDB |
| 100 G/100 CC CARBON DISULFIDE AT 17 °C; 11.1 G/100 CC BENZENE AT 30 °C | at 17 °C | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 100 °C (212 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Flammable by spontaneous ignition. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on Tetraphosphorus trisulphide
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Solubility
Insoluble in cold water; decomposed by hot water, yielding H2S; Soluble in carbon disulfide (60% w/w at 20 °C); soluble in benzene, similar hydrocarbons, phorphorus trichloride
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Tetraphosphorus trisulphide
Storage conditions
Protect against physical damage. Store in cool, ventilated place. Separate from other materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Decomp by hot water, yielding hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
PHOSPHORUS SESQUISULFIDE is a reducing agent.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Tetraphosphorus trisulphi… in the storage compatibility matrix →