Product Description
Aluminum Phosphide, also spelled Aluminium Phosphide, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula AlP and CAS number 20859-73-8. Its molecular weight is approximately 57.96 g/mol. The compound is known primarily for its role in specialized fumigant products used for pest control under strictly regulated conditions.
Its functional behavior differs from that of conventional contact insecticides. When Aluminum Phosphide encounters moisture, it reacts to release phosphine gas. This gas is responsible for the fumigant effect in authorized products, while the moisture-triggered reaction also creates a severe toxic-gas and fire hazard. The material must therefore never be treated as an ordinary agricultural chemical or general-purpose solid reagent.
Aluminum Phosphide has been used in certain regulated fumigation programs involving stored agricultural commodities and other specifically permitted materials. The approved scope of use varies by jurisdiction and product registration. Not every grade or supplied material is automatically approved for direct use in a fumigant product, and technical material should not be confused with a registered, ready-to-use pesticide formulation.
For professional buyers, the critical evaluation points include verified chemical identity, assay, relevant impurities, physical condition, packaging performance, and the documentation required for the intended market. Since exposure to released phosphine can be fatal, supply-chain qualification must also cover applicable hazardous-material transport rules, receiving procedures, storage controls, and authorized end use.
This product is appropriate only for qualified organizations operating within the relevant legal and safety framework. Any commercial application must follow the current product-specific safety data sheet, applicable pesticide registration, and approved labeling. No application should be inferred solely from the chemical identity or general descriptions of the compound.
Aluminum Phosphide Chemical Properties
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Aluminum Phosphide |
| Alternative Spelling | Aluminium Phosphide |
| CAS Number | 20859-73-8 |
| Molecular Formula | AlP |
| Molecular Weight | Approximately 57.96 g/mol |
| Chemical Classification | Inorganic metal phosphide |
| Common Synonym | Aluminum Monophosphide |
| Appearance | Typically dark-grey or yellowish crystalline solid; appearance may vary with material condition |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water or moisture, releasing phosphine gas |
| Moisture Sensitivity | High; must be protected from moisture according to the product-specific SDS |
| Thermal Behavior | Reported to withstand very high temperatures before decomposition; a single melting-point value may not adequately describe its thermal behavior |
| Principal Functional Role | Phosphine-generating fumigant ingredient in authorized products |
| Main Use Context | Regulated fumigation and pest-control applications |
| Storage Considerations | Requires rigorously dry, compliant storage and packaging specified for the supplied product |
| Major Safety Concern | May release highly toxic and flammable phosphine upon contact with moisture |
| Environmental Concern | Very toxic to aquatic organisms; prevent uncontrolled environmental release |
Product Applications
1. Regulated Stored-Commodity Fumigation
Authorized Aluminum Phosphide products are used in certain fumigation programs for controlling pests associated with stored agricultural commodities. The permitted commodities, treatment settings, and conditions are determined by the registered product label and local regulations.
2. Stored-Grain Pest Management
Certain registered fumigant products containing Aluminum Phosphide are used in stored-grain protection programs. Use is restricted by applicable laws and must be conducted only by appropriately authorized personnel following the approved product instructions.
3. Protection of Other Permitted Stored Materials
Depending on the jurisdiction and product registration, fumigant products may be approved for specified non-food commodities or other stored materials. Buyers must verify the precise approved use rather than assume that all stored products are eligible.
4. Agricultural Pest-Control Supply Chains
Aluminum Phosphide is relevant to manufacturers and distributors serving regulated agricultural fumigation markets. Its commercial suitability depends on product authorization, quality documentation, compliant packaging, and the legal status of the intended application.
5. Professional Pest-Control Products
The compound is used in certain specialized pest-control products designed for restricted fumigation applications. These are not equivalent to general-purpose insecticides, and the product must be managed within the applicable licensing, safety, and label requirements.
FAQ
Q1: What is Aluminum Phosphide CAS 20859-73-8?
Aluminum Phosphide is an inorganic compound with the formula AlP and a molecular weight of approximately 57.96 g/mol. It is used in certain regulated fumigant products.
Q2: What is Aluminum Phosphide used for?
Registered products are used in specified fumigation and pest-control applications, including certain stored-commodity programs. The exact permitted uses depend on local registration and product labeling.
Q3: Why is moisture control important for Aluminum Phosphide?
Contact with water or moisture can release phosphine, a highly toxic and flammable gas. Moisture protection is therefore a critical safety and packaging requirement.
Q4: Is Aluminum Phosphide suitable for unrestricted agricultural use?
No. It should not be regarded as an unrestricted agricultural chemical. Applicable pesticide registrations, label restrictions, authorization requirements, and professional handling controls must be observed.
Q5: Which documents should buyers request?
Request the current COA, SDS, technical specification, batch identification, compliant transport documentation, and relevant registration information for the intended market and product category.
Q6: What should be checked before accepting a shipment?
Confirm that the packaging is intact and compliant, the documents match the supplied product, and the receiving facility is prepared for the material's hazardous properties. Suspected moisture exposure or packaging damage requires qualified safety assessment rather than routine handling.
