Phosphorus Red L.R

[joness]

One of our chemistry teachers has asked "Is there any way of keeping PHOSPHORUS RED L.R dry?"
We have three jars and all are wet inside.
Is it just old or does it come this way?

Thanks

[ellice]

I always thought that red phos had to be kept under oil as it absorbed water - became explosive???
Had a look at mine, and it definitely looks oily!
I can remember white phos being stored under water, as ignited spontaneously in air (long time banned in schools), and red was under water.

[Ocker]

I have a tin with airtight seal of red Phos. "Dry "
But I have a working bottle with water covering
Only open tin to refil bottle ( ex vegmite jar)

[Ocker]

By the way its sodium kept under oil (parrafin)

[Robb]

Hi All,

Red Phosphorus is hydroscopic as will absorb any mosisture it can get its hands on. It will pull a fair bit out of the air when you release the lid to atmospheric conditions.

It will never be dry but this also protects it from becoming too dry and possibly Spontaneously Combusting.

Cheers,

Robb.....