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Chapter 22: Problem 37

Describe an industrial preparation of phosphorus.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Phosphorus is industrially prepared from phosphate rock using coke as a reducing agent in an electric furnace. The reaction product undergoes distillation where phosphorus vapor is collected and condensed to give pure phosphorus.

Step by step solution

01

Raw Materials

The industrial production of phosphorus starts with the acquisition of raw materials. These consist mostly of phosphates, which can be found in numerous places around the globe. In particular, a type of rock called phosphate rock is quite abundant and serves as the main source of phosphates for the production of phosphorus.
02

Reduction Process

Phosphorus is obtained from phosphate rock through a process known as reduction. This means that the phosphates in the rock, which are in a high oxidation state, are converted to phosphorus, using a reducing agent. The common reducing agent used is coke (carbon). The reaction, which takes place in an electric furnace, can be represented as follows: \( Ca_3(PO_4)_2 + 3SiO_2 + 5C \rightarrow 2P + 3CaSiO_3 + 5CO \)
03

Distillation Process

The phosphorus produced is in a heated, molten state. It also contains some impurities. To extract the pure phosphorus, it goes through a process called distillation. In this process, the mixture is heated to very high temperatures. Phosphorus vaporizes at a lower temperature than most of the impurities, so it becomes a gas first and is carried away by the steam for collection.
04

Cooling Process

The phosphorus vapor is then cooled down. During this process, the phosphorus condenses, turning back into a solid while the steam remains a gas. The solid phosphorus is now in a pure state and ready for usage.

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