Phosphorus pentoxide is an anhydride of phosphoric acid, which is produced by combustion of elemental phosphorus in the presence of sufficient air. It exists in white crystalline solid form. It acts as powerful dehydrating and desiccant agent because of exothermic nature of its hydrolysis. Formation of phosphorus pentoxide by dehydration of phosphoric acid is not possible, as the acid would keep boiling without losing all the water. Phosphorus pentoxide is inflammable. However, it reacts strongly with water and water-containing substances such as wood or cotton, releasing high amount of heat that may cause fire. It causes metals corrosion. Also, it causes irritation of tissue such as severe burns to skin, eyes, respiratory tracts, and mucous membrane even in low concentrations.
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