PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE

A white amorphous powder. Corrosive to metals and tissue and moderately toxic.

• Water-Reactive

Readily absorbs moisture from the air forming a syrup of meta-, pyro-, and orthophosphoric acids. Reacts violently with water releasing considerable heat [Oldbury Chemicals, p. 9]. There is a possibility that this very rapid, exothermic reaction would create a toxic acidic mist in a spill of the chemical into water.

Reacts violently with water to evolve heat. Flammable poisonous gases may accumulate in tanks and hopper cars. Phosphorus pentoxide reacts violently with the following: ammonia, hydrofluoric acid, oxygen difluoride, potassium, sodium, propargyl alcohol, calcium oxide, sodium hydroxide and chlorine trifluoride. A violent explosion occurs if a solution of perchloric acid in chloroform is poured over phosphorus pentoxide. Avoid formic acid, hydrogen fluoride, inorganic bases, metals, oxidants, water. Readily absorbs moisture from air to form meta-, pryo-, or orthophosphoric acid. (EPA, 1998)

Powder and fumes in the air are irritating to eyes and the respiratory tract. Particles in contact with eye react vigorously and even a small amount may cause permanent burns. Contact with the skin will cause severe burns. Ingestion will damage the gastrointestinal tract. Corrosive to skin, mucous membranes and eyes. (EPA, 1998)

PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE reacts violently and exothermically with water. The heat can ignite surrounding or admixed combustible materials. Undergoes hazardous or violent reactions with metal hydroxides and oxides, formic acid, hydrogen fluoride and hydrofluoric acid, iodides, metals (in particular potassium and sodium), oxidizing agents (bromine pentafluoride, chlorine trifluoride, perchloric acid, oxygen difluoride, hydrogen peroxide), ammonia, and proparygl alcohol. [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 1781; EPA, 1998]. A violent explosion occurs if a solution of perchloric acid in chloroform is poured over phosphorus pentaoxide [EPA, 1998].

• Anhydrides
• Acids, Weak

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
• Dirt/Earth

Excerpt from 137 [Substances - Water-Reactive - Corrosive]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Keep combustibles away from spilled material.

Does not support combustion. Do not get water inside container. For small fires, use dry chemical or carbon dioxide. For large fires, flood fire area with water from a distance. Do not get solid stream of water on spilled material. Spray cooling water on containers that are exposed to flames until well after fire is out. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from 137 [Substances - Water-Reactive - Corrosive]:

Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors; do not put water directly on leak, spill area or inside container. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2020)

For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)

No information available.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Phosphorus Pentoxide Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to phosphorus pentoxide may include severe burns, pain, shock, intense thirst, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, and "smoking stools." The breath and feces may have a garlicky odor. A symptom-free period of several days may follow. Exposure to phosphorus pentoxide may also result in bloody vomitus and diarrhea, jaundice, liver enlargement with tenderness, renal damage, hematuria (bloody urine), and either oliguria (scanty urination) or anuria (suppression of urine formation). Headache, convulsions, delirium, coma, cardiac arrhythmias, and cardiovascular collapse may occur. If phosphorus pentoxide contacts the eyes, severe irritation and burns, blepharospasm (spasmodic winking), lacrimation (tearing), and photophobia (heightened sensitivity to light) may occur. Eye contact may lead to a total destruction of the eyes. Victims may experience spontaneous hemorrhaging of phosphorus pentoxide-contaminated skin and mucous membranes.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to phosphorus pentoxide may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to phosphorus pentoxide.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. RUSH to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to phosphorus pentoxide.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. Brush nonadherent phosphorus pentoxide from skin areas, then flush skin with water. Immerse exposed skin areas in water or cover with a wet dressing.
5. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for AT LEAST 15 MINUTES. Keep exposed eyes covered with wet compresses.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. RUSH to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
4. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
5. Ambulate (walk) and give water to the victims.
6. RUSH to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

• DIPHOSPHORUS PENTAOXIDE
• DIPHOSPHORUS PENTAOXIDE (P2O5)
• DIPHOSPHORUS PENTOXIDE
• PHOSPHORIC ACID ANHYDRIDE
• PHOSPHORIC ACID, ANHYDROUS
• PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE
• PHOSPHORIC OXIDE
• PHOSPHORIC PENTOXIDE
• PHOSPHORUS OXIDE
• PHOSPHORUS PENTAOXIDE
• PHOSPHORUS PENTOXIDE
• PHOSPHORUS(V)OXIDE
• PHOSPHORUS, OXIDE, PENT-