Phosphorous acid
Agent Name
Phosphorous acid
CAS Number
13598-36-2
Formula
H3-O3-P
Major Category
Toxic Gases & Vapors
Synonyms
Dihydroxyphosphine oxide; Orthophosphorus acid; Phosphorous acid; Phosphorus trihydroxide; Trihydroxyphosphine; Phosphonic acid; [ChemIDplus] Acide orthophosphoreux (DOT French); Acide phosphoreux (DOT French); Acido fosforoso (DOT Spanish); Acido ortofosforoso (DOT Spanish); o-Phosphorous acid; Phosphorous acid, ortho; [CAMEO] UN2834
Category
Acids, Inorganic
Description
White or yellowish solid; Very hygroscopic; [Hawley] White odorless crystalline solid; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used in testing for mercury, as a chemical reducing agent, and to prepare phosphite salts; [Hawley] Used as a starting material to make lead phosphite, which is a PVC stabilizer; [Ullmann]
Comments
May cause severe skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritation; [CAMEO] Corrosive to skin and eyes; [eChemPortal: ERMA] Can cause severe burns; [eChemPortal: ESIS] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis; [MSDSonline]
Biomedical References
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.