PHOSPHORUS IS A KEY ELEMENT IN
ALL KNOWN FORMS OF LIFE

PHOSPHORUS AS A MACRONUTRIENT



phosphorus is often a limiting nutrient



the availability of phosphorus governs the
rate of growth



an excess of phosphorus can be problematic

HISTORY

Phosphorus was
discovered by a
German alchemist
Hennig Brand in 1669
through a
preparation from
urine

MATCH INDUSTRY



phosphorus was first made commercially
for the match industry in the 19th century
by distilling off phosphorus vapor from
precipitated phosphates heated in a retort



early matches used white phosphorus



red phosphorus - a safer alternative for
match manufacture

PHOSPHATE ROCK



Due to its reactivity to
air and many other
oxygen containing
substances, phosphorus
is not found free in
nature but it is widely
distributed in many
different minerals.
Phosphate rock is an
important commercial
source of this element

phosphate rock

ALLOTROPES



The white allotrope
can be produced
using several
different methods

COMPOUNDS OF PHOSPHORUS



Organic compounds of phosphorus form a

wide class of materials, some of which are

extremely toxic



Most inorganic phosphates are relatively

nontoxic and essential nutrients

WHITE PHOSPHORUS



white phosphorus should

be kept under water at all

times as it presents a

significant fire hazard



red allotrope does not

spontaneously ignite in air

and is not as dangerous

as the white form

burning phosphorus