1305-99-3

Calcium phosphide is a gray granular solid or reddish-brown crystalline solid. It has a musty odor, somewhat like acetylene.

For signal fires; in purification of Cu and Cu alloys; as rodenticide.

CALCIUM PHOSPHIDE appears as red-brown crystals to gray granular lumps. CALCIUM PHOSPHIDE reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide and phosphine, a flammable poisonous gas. Phosphine will normally ignite spontaneously in contact with air. If there is an excess of water this fire of phosphine will not normally ignite surrounding combustible material.

CALCIUM PHOSPHIDE and hydrochloric acid undergo a very energetic reaction [Mellor 8:841 1946-47]. Calcium and other alkaline earth phosphides incandesce in oxygen when heated.

Inhalation or ingestion causes faintness, weakness, nausea, vomiting. External contact with dust causes irritation of eyes and skin.

Behavior in Fire: Can cause spontaneous ignition if wet. Contributes dense smoke of phosphoric acid.

Dangerous fire risk; decomposed by water to phosphine, which is highly toxic and flammable. See phosphine.

A strong reducing agent. Forms spontaneously combustible phosphine gas in moist air. Contact with water or acids release phosphine gas, and can cause explosions. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides, chlorine monoxide, halogens, halogen acids, oxygen, sulfur

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit

UN1360 Calcium phosphide, Hazard Class: 4.3; Labels: 4.3-Dangerous when wet material

A strong reducing agent. Forms spontaneously combustible phosphine gas in moist air. Contact with water or acids release phosphine gas, and can cause explosions. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides, chlorine monoxide, halogens, halogen acids, oxygen, sulfur

Calcium phosphide has the molecular formula of Ca3P2 and the molecular weight of 182.1825 g/mol. Its CAS number is 1305-99-3. It is a red-brown crystalline material with a melting point of 1605°C. Its density is 2.51 g/cm³. It readily reacts with water to form phosphine, PH3, but is insoluble in ethanol.
It is easily prepared by reacting the metal with red phosphorus at high temperature. The best way is to sublime the P4 at 450°C in an inert gas stream and react it with Mg metal at 750°C:
6Ca + 2P4?2Ca3P4

Disposal of unused product must be undertaken by qualified personnel who are knowledgeable in all applicable regulations and follow all pertinent safety precautions including the use of appropriate protective equipment. For proper handling and disposal, always comply with federal, state, and local regulations

Color Code—Yellow Stripe (strong reducingagent): Reactivity Hazard; Store separately in an area isolated from flammables, combustibles, or other yellow-codedmaterials. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool,well-ventilated area away from strong oxidizers (such aschlorine, bromine, and fluorine), strong acids (such ashydrochloric, sulfuric, and nitric), oxygen, sulfur, or moisture since violent reactions occur. Sources of ignition, suchas smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Calciumphosphide is handled, used, or stored. Use only nonsparkingtools and equipment, especially when opening and closingcontainers of Calcium phosphide. Wherever Calciumphosphide is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, useexplosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings. Do notstore large amounts of this material in a room protected bywater sprinkler systems. Protect containers against physicaldamage.