Phosphorus sesquisulfide

Phosphorus sesquisulfide
Names
IUPAC names
Tetraphosphorus trisulfide
or 3,5,7-trithia-1,2,4,6-tetraphosphatricyclo[2.2.1.02,6]heptane
Other names
phosphorus trisulfide, phosphorus sesquisulfide, phosphorus sulfide
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.013.860 Edit this at Wikidata
RTECS number
  • TH4330000
UNII
  • InChI=1S/P4S3/c5-1-2-3(1)7-4(5)6-2 checkY
    Key: RWQFRHVDPXXRQN-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
  • InChI=1/P4S3/c5-1-2-3(1)7-4(5)6-2
    Key: RWQFRHVDPXXRQN-UHFFFAOYAM
  • S1P2P3SP1SP23
Properties
P4S3
Molar mass 220.093 g/mol
Appearance Yellow, yellow-green or gray solid
Density 2.08 g.cm3,[1] solid
Melting point 172.5 °C (342.5 °F; 445.6 K)
Boiling point 408 °C (766 °F; 681 K)
Structure
orthorhombic, Schönflies notation D2h
Pmnb
C3v
Related compounds
Related compounds
P4S10
P4O6
Hazards
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH):
Main hazards
Irritant
GHS labelling:
GHS07: Exclamation mark
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Phosphorus sesquisulfide is the inorganic compound with the formula P4S3. It was developed by Henri Sevene and Emile David Cahen in 1898 as part of their invention of friction matches that did not pose the health hazards of white phosphorus.[2][3] This yellow solid is one of two commercially produced phosphorus sulfides. It is a component of "strike anywhere" matches.

Depending on purity, samples can appear yellow-green to grey. The compound was discovered by G. Lemoine and first produced safely in commercial quantities in 1898 by Albright and Wilson. It dissolves in an equal weight of carbon disulfide (CS2), and in a 1:50 weight ratio of benzene. Unlike some other phosphorus sulfides, P4S3 is slow to hydrolyze and has a well-defined melting point.

  1. ^ Leung, Y. C.; Waser, J.; van Houten, S.; Vos, A.; Wiegers, G. A.; Wiebenga, E. H. (1957). "The Crystal Structure of P4S3". Acta Crystallographica. 10 (9): 574–582. doi:10.1107/S0365110X57002042.
  2. ^ US patent 614350, Seyene, H.; Cahen, E. D., "Match Composition", issued 1898-11-15 
  3. ^ US 614350