Fosfofor

Fosfofor, commonly known in English as phosphorus, is a chemical element with the symbol P and atomic number 15. It is a nonmetal and an essential nutrient for all living organisms, playing a key role in energy transfer, genetic material, and cellular membranes through phosphate groups. In nature it occurs primarily in mineral phosphates and in organic compounds.

Phosphorus exists in several allotropes, with white, red, and black forms being the most discussed. White phosphorus is a waxy, highly reactive substance that glows faintly in the dark and must be stored under water to prevent spontaneous ignition in air. Red phosphorus is more stable and is used in safety matches and various industrial applications. Black phosphorus is the most stable among its allotropes under certain conditions and has layered, semiconducting properties relevant to materials science.

Chemically, phosphorus forms oxides such as P4O10 and suboxides, and it readily forms phosphoric acids upon hydration (H3PO4). It combines with most elements to form a wide range of compounds, including phosphates that are vital for fertilizers, detergents, and various chemical processes. In ecosystems, phosphorus cycles through rocks, soils, water, and organisms, and phosphorus availability often limits biological productivity.

History and name origin trace to the Greek phōsphóros, meaning light-bearer, due to white phosphorus’s faint luminescence. Phosphorus was isolated in 1669 by Hennig Brand from urine. Today, most industrial phosphorus is derived from phosphate minerals and is essential for agriculture and modern chemistry, while careless handling of white phosphorus requires strict safety measures due to its toxicity and flammability.