Phosphorous (P)

Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 and exists in four or more allotropic forms, including white (or yellow), red, and black (or violet). Phosphorus is a waxy white solid and is colorless and transparent when pure.

Phosphorus is insoluble in water and soluble in carbon disulfide, and it burns spontaneously in air. Phosphorus is poisonous, with a fatal dose of just 50mg. Keep white phosphorus under water and handle it with forceps to avoid burns.

Not found free in nature, it is usually combined in minerals. Concentrated phosphoric acids are important to agriculture and farming as fertilizer components. They are also used to produce special glasses, fine chinaware, and baking powder.