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Silicates, borates and other salts

Calcium phosphide

Also known as Calcium phosphide (Ca3P2), Tricalcium diphosphide, bicyclo(1.1.1)tricalcaphosphane

CAS 1305-99-3Formula Ca3P2Molar mass 182.18 g/molEC 215-142-0
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Flammable, Corrosive, Acute toxicity (severe), Hazardous to the environment
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Calcium phosphide chemical structure, Ca3P2, CAS 1305-99-3
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Red-brown crystalline powder or gray lumps
Melting point
Ca. 1600
Boiling point
Decomposes
Density
2.5 g/cm³
Solubility
Insol in alcohol, ether, reacts with water
HS code
285390
Category
Silicates, borates and other salts
UN number
UN 1360
Illustrative photo, red pigment powder in an open kraft paper sack in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Calcium phosphide?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Calcium phosphide appears as red-brown crystals to gray granular lumps. It reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide and phosphine, a flammable poisonous gas. Phosphine will normally ignite spontaneously in contact with air. If there is an excess of water this fire of phosphine will not normally ignite surrounding combustible material.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
tricalcium bis(phosphorus(3-))
CAS number
1305-99-3 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 39373-03-0
EC numbers
215-142-0, 254-431-6
Molecular formula
Ca3P2
UNII
IQZ9FY9THC
InChIKey
HMJZRBDFJAQGEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/3Ca.2P/q3*+2;2*-3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
[P-3].[P-3].[Ca+2].[Ca+2].[Ca+2]

Synonyms

  • Calcium phosphide (Ca3P2)
  • Tricalcium diphosphide
  • bicyclo(1.1.1)tricalcaphosphane
  • bicyclo[1.1.1]tricalcaphosphane
  • Photophor
  • tricalcium, phosphorus(3-)
  • Calcium photophor
  • Calcium phosphide [UN1360] [Dangerous when wet]

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Red-brown crystalline powder or gray lumpsexp.
Odour
Musty, like acetyleneexp.
Melting point
Ca. 1600exp.
Boiling point
Decomposesexp.
Density
2.5 g/cm³exp.
Solubility
Insol in alcohol, ether, reacts with waterexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
182.18 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
181.8353 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0.58calc.
Topological polar surface area
0 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
0calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
5calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Components
5calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS09: Hazardous to the environment
Hazardous to the environment

Hazard statements

  • H260In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
  • H300Fatal if swallowed.
  • H311Toxic in contact with skin.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
  • H330Fatal if inhaled.
  • H400Very toxic to aquatic life.
Precautionary statements (28)
  • P223Do not allow contact with water.
  • P231 + P232Handle and store contents under inert gas. Protect from moisture.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P302 + P335 + P334If on skin: Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet bandages.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P320Specific treatment is urgent (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P361 + P364Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P391Collect spillage.
  • P402 + P404Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1360
Transport hazard class
4.3
Packing group
I

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

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Calcium phosphide price

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

For signal fires, in purification of Cu and Cu alloys ...

Signal fires, torpedoes, pyrotechnics ...

Fumigants and/or rodent poisons (Phosphides).

How it is made

By heating calcium phosphate with aluminum or carbon, by passing phosphorus vapors over metallic calcium.

Direct combination of the elements at elevated temperature. White, red, or gaseous phosphorus can be used. Some phosphides can be prepared by reaction of phosphine with metals or their salts. Metallic phosphides can also be prepared by the electrothermal reduction of metal oxides in the presence of carbon and phosphates. (Phosphides)

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 015-003-00-2

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Calcium phosphide is traded under.

HS 2853.90Indicative HS code

Phosphides, whether or not chemically defined, excluding ferrophosphorus, other, other

World exports in 2024
$2.45B
−33.6% vs 2023, imports $816M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China68.4%
  2. Israel8.1%
  3. United States4.9%
Top importers
  1. United States19.3%
  2. Japan17.9%
  3. China13.4%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Calcium phosphide is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Calcium phosphide, based on the data on this page

What is Calcium phosphide?

Calcium phosphide appears as red-brown crystals to gray granular lumps. It reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide and phosphine, a flammable poisonous gas. Phosphine will normally ignite spontaneously in contact with air.

What is the CAS number of Calcium phosphide?

The CAS registry number of Calcium phosphide is 1305-99-3. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 39373-03-0.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Calcium phosphide?

The molecular formula of Calcium phosphide is Ca3P2 and its molar mass is 182.18 g/mol.

What is Calcium phosphide used for?

For signal fires, in purification of Cu and Cu alloys ... Signal fires, torpedoes, pyrotechnics ... Fumigants and/or rodent poisons (Phosphides).

Is Calcium phosphide hazardous?

Calcium phosphide carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: in contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously, fatal if swallowed, toxic in contact with skin. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Calcium phosphide?

Calcium phosphide is usually classified under HS code 285390 (Phosphides, whether or not chemically defined, excluding ferrophosphorus, other…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Calcium phosphide?

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What is the price of Calcium phosphide?

Suppliers quote Calcium phosphide on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Calcium phosphide

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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