Rafael, Dune Vienis Karen N.

November
20, 2009
BS-Pharmacy 4A Toxicology Lab

Activity No. 01
PHOSPHOROUS
II. DATA:

Type of Test/Method of
Observations/Data
Detection
1. Scherer’s Preliminary The paper strip moistened with silver nitrate is
Test darkened in black color (Warren, 1920).
Blank: No discoloration is observed.
2. Mitscherlich’s Method A luminous ring or band in the upper part of the
condenser appeared. Chemiluminescence during
distillation with steam is very characteristic of yellow
phosphorous (Warren, 1920).
Blank: No change observed.
3. Confirmatory Test to
Detect Phosphoric
Acid
a. Ammonium Molybdate A yellow precipitate was formed (Warren, 1920).
Test Blank: No precipitation was observed.
b. Magnesia Mixture A white crystalline precipitate was produced after
Test/ Ammonium vigorous shaking (Warren, 1920).
Magnesium Phosphate Blank: No production of any precipitate occurred.
Test

Data Analysis:

The principle of Scherer’s Test is that moist phosphorous vapor and silver
nitrate form black silver phosphide (Ag3P), metallic silver, phosphoric and
sometimes phosphorous acid. If the silver but not the lead paper is darkened, yellow
phosphorous may be present. If both papers are darkened, hydrogen sulfide also is
present. In the latter case yellow phosphorous may be present with hydrogen
sulfide. In absence of hydrogen sulfide, darkening of the silver paper is not final
proof of yellow phosphorous, for any volatile organic substance having reducing
properties, as formaldehyde, or formic acid, may give the same result. Scherer’s
Test is of value in proving the absence rather than the presence of yellow
phosphorous. It is a good preliminary test, as it excludes phosphorous if the silver
paper is unchanged (Warren, 1920).

The principle of Mitscherlich’s Method is that yellow phosphorous volatilizes

with steam and becomes luminous in contact with air. The chemiluminescence is
best seen in a dark room. Chemiluminescence usually appears as a luminous ring or
band in the upper part of the condenser. When this is distinctly visible, the presence
of yellow phosphorous is established. Chemiluminescence during distillation with
steam is very characteristic of yellow phosphorous and frequently is the only sure
and unquestionable test for this element(Warren, 1920).

When prolonged distillation fails to give a positive result, this must not be
accepted as final proof of the absence of phosphorous until other tests have been
made. Whatever the result, confirmatory tests such as the Ammonium Molybdate
Test and Ammonium Magnesium Phosphate Test (Magnesia Misture Test) should be
conducted. Phosphoric acid precipitates yellow ammonium phosphor-molybdate in
Ammonium Molybdate Test. Phosphoric acid gives a white crystalline precipitate of
ammonium magnesium phosphate (H4N)-MgPO4.6H2O. When only traces of
phosphoric acid are present, long standing is necessary before the precipitate
appears. The precipitate should be examined with the microscope. It should consist
a well-formed crystal or at least should be crystalline. These crystals are
transparent, acicular prisms (Warren, 1920).

III. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:

1. Why are we concerned about phosphorous?
Phosphorous, aside from being an essential trace element in the
human body, it is also an essential plant nutrient. It finds its major use as a
constituent of fertilizers for agriculture and farm production in the form of
concentrated phosphoric acids, which can consist of 70% to 75% of
phosphorous oxide(Wikipedia, 2009). Pesticides and fertilizers are the
preferred method for suicide for residents of underdeveloped countries(,
1993). Therefore, we are concerned about phosphorus because it is a
possible source of intoxication due to homicidal, accidental and suicidal
reasons. As future pharmacists, we have the reason to be concerned since it
is a part of our duty to detect, identify and manage any cases of intoxication.

2. List down environmental hazards caused by phosphorous.

Among the environmental hazards caused by phosphorous are:

• Explosive
• Gives off irritating odor or fumes
• Contaminates drainages and watercourses, harming fresh water
and marine life.

IV. CONCLUSION:

Yellow phosphorus is a poisonous, flammable, gives off fumes, and evolves a

peculiar garlicky odor, luminous in the dark, and preserved as transparent sticks.
Phosphorous, aside from being an essential trace element in the human body, it is
also an essential plant nutrient. It finds its major use as a constituent of fertilizers
for agriculture and farm production. Since fertilizers are among the preferred
method for suicide and homicide. The management of phosphorous intoxication
poses a concern for pharmacists, toxicologists and physicians. In order to detect the
presence of phosphorus in organ tissue specimens, tests of different method and
principles are conducted. These tests are Scherer’s Preliminary Test, Mitscherlich’s
method, Ammonium molybdate test and magnesia mixture test. Since phosphorus
is explosive, obnoxious and can contaminate drainages and watercourses, proper
waste disposal is needed to prevent environmental harm.
V. Gallery
Figure 1.1. Scherer’s test setup.
Strips of silver nitrate and lead acetate
solution are separately suspended in the
mouth of the flask. The distillate is
warmed gently upon a water bath of
about 40 to 50 degrees Celsius (Warren,
1920).
Figure 1.2. Mitscherlich Apparatus.
The condenser is supported in a vertical
position and connected to the upper end
with the flask by a glass tube about
8mm. internal diameter. This tube has
two right-angle bends and each end
passes through a cork (Warren, 1920).
 Figure 1.3. Ammonium magnesium
phosphate crystals as examined in the
microscope. These crystals are
transparent, acicular prisms