Aluminium phosphide

Aluminium phosphide is a highly toxic inorganic compound with the chemical formula AlP, used as a wide band gap semiconductor and a fumigant.

This colorless solid is generally sold as a grey-green-yellow powder due to the presence of impurities arising from hydrolysis and oxidation.

The tablets or pellets, known as "wheat pills", typically also contain other chemicals that evolve ammonia and carbon dioxide (e.g. ammonium carbamate), which help to reduce the potential for spontaneous ignition or explosion of the phosphine gas.

In this application, aluminium phosphide can be encountered under various brand names, e.g. PestPhos,Quickphos, Celphos, Fostox, Fumitoxin, Phostek, Phostoxin, Talunex, Fieldphos, and Weevil-Cide.

[15][16] Recycling of used aluminium phosphide containers caused the death of three family members in Alcalá de Guadaira, Spain.

Aluminium phosphide tablets
Aluminium phosphide tablets
Crystal structure
Crystal structure
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 4: Very short exposure could cause death or major residual injury. E.g. VX gas Flammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oil Instability 2: Undergoes violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures, reacts violently with water, or may form explosive mixtures with water. E.g. white phosphorus Special hazard W: Reacts with water in an unusual or dangerous manner. E.g. sodium, sulfuric acid