What Is Phosphorus, How Is It Used, and Which Forms Are Regulated?
Phosphorus is a nonmetallic element that can occur in three main allotropic (i.e. crystalline) forms (white, red, and black), none of which have retail uses. White phosphorus, red phosphorus, and hypophosphrous acid and its salts are list I chemicals. Black phosphorus is not a regulated form of phosphorus. Phosphorus is used as a co-reactant, along with iodine or hydriodic acid, in the clandestine manufacture of the Schedule II controlled substances methamphetamine and amphetamine. White phosphorus is the most abundant form of phosphorus produced industrially. Most other forms of phosphorus and phosphorus chemicals are produced from white phosphorus, including phosphorus acid, phosphorus trichloride, phosphorus pentasulfide, and phosphorus pentoxide. Over 98% of the annual U.S. phosphorus demand is used in the production of these four compounds, none of which is regulated. The second crystalline form is red phosphorus. Red phosphorus is usually prepared as a powder and is more stable a
