Phosphine - PH3 - is a much weaker base than ammonia. It forms phosphonium halides with the appropriate hydrogen halide. Phosphine is a stronger reducing agent than ammonia. It burns readily in air and, with oxygen, it explodes. Phosphine begins to decomp

Periodic Chart

Chart Index

Reference

General Characteristics

Health Hazards

Material Recommendations

A colorless, flammable, and liquefied gas with an odor similar to rotten fish.

Highly toxic, attacks the central nervous system

Most common materials except aluminum.

TLV-TWA

Flammable Limits

DOT Class / Label

0.3 ppm

Not Established

2.3 / Poison Gas

Molecular Weight

Specific Gravity

Specific Volume

34.0

1.184 @ 70° F

11.4 cu.ft./lb @ 70° F

CGA Valve Outlet

CAS Registry No.

UN Number

350

7803-51-2

2199

National Stock Number (NSN) Applicable to Phosphine

MIL Specs/ Fed Specs
MSDS for Phosphine

Grade
Part #

Purity Minimum

Cylinder
Size

Volume
LBS

Pressure
@ 70 F

Comments

Electronic
471900

99.999% Min.
Liquid Phase

044
016
LBR

20
3
0.04

594
594
594

None

Uses: Phosphine at room temperature and atmospheric pressure is a colorless, flammable, highly toxic gas with an odor of decaying fish.

Other Physical Properties:

Vapor Pressure @ 21°C = 607.4 psia

Boiling Point @ 101.325 kPa = -125.9°F
Triple Point = -208.8°F

Phosphine is a much weaker base than ammonia. It forms phosphonium halides with the appropriate hydrogen halide. Phosphine is a stronger reducing agent than ammonia. It burns readily in air and, with oxygen, it explodes. Phosphine begins to decompose into its elements at about 375°C. It reacts spontaneously with chlorine.

Last Updated: 98 AUG 10