phosphorus pentoxide
Noun
Meaning
phosphorus pentoxide (uncountable)
(inorganic chemistry) the compound, P2O5, formed by the spontaneous combustion of white phosphorus in air; it reacts violently with water to form phosphoric acid and is used as a powerful desiccating agent
Synonyms
Examples
In addition, silicon dioxide alloyed with phosphorus pentoxide ("P-glass") can be used to smooth out uneven surfaces.
Diethyl sulfate and triethyl phosphate are prepared by treating ethanol with sulfur trioxide and phosphorus pentoxide respectively.
The odour of combustion of this form has a characteristic garlic smell, and samples are commonly coated with white " phosphorus pentoxide ", which consists of Pmain Omain tetrahedra with oxygen inserted between the phosphorus atoms and at their vertices.