What is Phosphorus(V) oxide?
[[File:Phosphorus pentoxide.jpg|thumb|Bottle of phosphorus(V) oxide]] '''Phosphorus(V) oxide''', also known as '''phosphorus pentoxide''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is P<sub>4</sub>O<sub>10</sub>. It contains [[phosphorus]] and [[oxide]] [[ion]]s. It contains phosphorus in its +5 [[oxidation state]]. == Properties == Phosphorus(V) oxide is a colourless solid. It has a strong [[odor]]. It dissolves in water to produce [[phosphoric acid]]. It can corrode [[metal]]s. It is irritating to the skin. It can make bad burns. == Preparation == It is made by burning phosphorus into high amounts of [[air]]. == Uses == It is used to dry things out because it absorbs water. It dries things out from [[acid]]s like [[nitric acid]] to [[organic chemistry|organic compounds]] like [[carboxylic acid]]s. == Safety == Phosphorus(V) oxide is corrosive. Its [[vapor]]s are toxic and burn the eyes and skin. It also irritates skin and eyes. == Related pages == *[[Phosphorus(III) oxide]] *[[Hypophosphite]] *[[Phosphite]] {{chem-stub}} [[Category:Phosphorus compounds]] [[Category:Oxides]]