Phosphorus: uses

₁₅P

Available phosphorus properties...

• Essentials
• More properties...
  • Physical properties
  • Electron shell data
  • Atom sizes
  • Electronegativity
  • Isotopes and NMR
  • Crystal structure
  • Thermochemistry
  • History
  • Uses
  • Geology
  • Biology
  • Binary compounds
  • Compound properties
  • Element reactions

The following uses for phosphorus are gathered from a number of sources as well as from anecdotal comments. I would be delighted to receive corrections as well as additional referenced uses.

• used in the manufacture of safety matches, pyrotechnics, incendiary shells, smoke bombs, tracer bullets, etc.
• fertilisers
• phosphates are used in the production of special glasses, such as those used for sodium lamps
• bone-ash, calcium phosphate, is used to produce fine chinaware and to produce monocalcium phosphate used in baking powder
• important in the production of steels, phosphor bronze, and many other products
• Na₃PO₄ is important as a cleaning agent, as a water softener, and for preventing boiler scale and corrosion of pipes and boiler tubes
• pesticides