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Phosphorus vs. Phosphorous — What's the Difference?

By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 27, 2024
Phosphorus is a chemical element, essential for life, while phosphorous describes compounds containing phosphorus in oxidation state +3.
Phosphorus vs. Phosphorous — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Phosphorus and Phosphorous

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Key Differences

Phosphorus is a nonmetallic chemical element found in nature and vital for biological processes, such as the formation of DNA and energy transfer. Whereas phosphorous refers specifically to the trivalent state of phosphorus compounds, playing a crucial role in the chemistry of phosphorus but is less commonly encountered in biological systems.
Phosphorus is abundant in the Earth’s crust and is mined for use in agriculture and industry, primarily as phosphates for fertilizers. On the other hand, phosphorous compounds, while less prevalent in nature, are important in chemical synthesis and as intermediates in the production of flame retardants and other phosphorus-containing chemicals.
Phosphorus has several allotropes, including white, red, and black phosphorus, each with unique properties and applications. Whereas phosphorous, being a description of oxidation state, does not have allotropes but refers to the chemical behavior of phosphorus in certain compounds.
Environmental concerns related to phosphorus mainly stem from its use in fertilizers, which can lead to eutrophication of water bodies. In contrast, concerns around phosphorous compounds often revolve around their potential toxicity and the need for safe handling and disposal.
In the context of nutrition, phosphorus is an essential dietary mineral, important for bone health and energy storage, highlighting its biological importance. Phosphorous compounds, while not directly referenced nutritionally, are utilized in food additives and processing.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

A chemical element (P) essential for life.
Refers to the trivalent oxidation state of phosphorus in compounds.

Natural Occurrence

Found as phosphates in minerals; essential for biological systems.
Less commonly found in nature; more relevant to chemical synthesis.

Uses

Fertilizers, detergents, pesticides, and matches.
Involved in making flame retardants and other chemical processes.

Environmental Impact

Eutrophication from agricultural runoff.
Potential toxicity requires careful handling and disposal.

Biological Importance

Crucial for DNA, bones, and energy transfer in living organisms.
Not directly relevant to biological functions but important in specific chemical contexts.

Compare with Definitions

Phosphorus

Allotropes.
Red phosphorus is used on the striking surface of matchboxes.

Phosphorous

Role in Flame Retardants.
Certain phosphorous compounds are used to reduce flammability in textiles and plastics.

Phosphorus

Chemical Element.
Phosphorus is crucial for plant growth, making it a key component of fertilizers.

Phosphorous

Oxidation State.
Phosphorous acid is a compound where phosphorus exhibits a +3 oxidation state.

Phosphorus

Biological Role.
Phosphorus is essential for the formation of DNA and ATP in living organisms.

Phosphorous

Toxicity.
Phosphorous pesticides require careful handling due to their toxicity.

Phosphorus

Environmental Concern.
Excessive phosphorus in water bodies can lead to algal blooms and fish deaths.

Phosphorous

Chemical Behavior.
Phosphorous compounds are important as intermediates in organic synthesis.

Phosphorus

Use in Industry.
Phosphorus is used in the manufacture of glass and steel.

Phosphorous

Industrial Applications.
Phosphorous is utilized in the synthesis of certain LEDs and semiconductors.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a chemical element with the symbol P and atomic number 15. Elemental phosphorus exists in two major forms, white phosphorus and red phosphorus, but because it is highly reactive, phosphorus is never found as a free element on Earth.

Phosphorous

Relating to or containing phosphorus.

Phosphorus

The chemical element of atomic number 15, a poisonous, combustible non-metal which exists in two common allotropic forms, white phosphorus, a yellowish waxy solid which ignites spontaneously in air and glows in the dark, and red phosphorus, a less reactive form used in making matches.

Phosphorous

Of, relating to, or containing phosphorus, especially with valence 3 or a valence lower than that of a comparable phosphoric compound.

Phosphorus

Symbol P A highly reactive, poisonous, nonmetallic element occurring naturally in phosphates, especially apatite, and existing in three allotropic forms, white (or sometimes yellow), red, and black (or violet). An essential element for biological cells, it is used in safety matches, pyrotechnics, incendiary shells, and fertilizers and to protect metal surfaces from corrosion. Atomic number 15; atomic weight 30.9738; melting point (white) 44.15°C; boiling point 280.5°C; specific gravity (white) 1.82, (red) 2.16, (black) 2.25 to 2.69; valence 3, 4, 5. See Periodic Table.

Phosphorous

(chemistry) Of or pertaining to phosphorus.

Phosphorus

A phosphorescent substance.

Phosphorous

Resembling phosphorus.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus(Astronomy) See Lucifer.

Phosphorous

(chemistry) Of relating to or containing trivalent phosphorus.

Phosphorus

(chemistry) a chemical element (symbol P) with an atomic number of 15, that exists in several allotropic forms.

Phosphorous

(proscribed) phosphorus

Phosphorus

(obsolete) any substance exhibiting phosphorescence; a phosphor

Phosphorous

Of or pertaining to phosphorus; resembling or containing phosphorus; specifically, designating those compounds in which phosphorus has a lower valence as contrasted with phosphoric compounds; as, phosphorous acid, H3PO3.

Phosphorus

The morning star; Phosphor.

Phosphorous

Containing or characteristic of phosphorus;
Phosphoric acid

Phosphorus

A poisonous nonmetallic element of the nitrogen group, obtained as a white, or yellowish, translucent waxy substance, having a characteristic disagreeable smell; this waxy allotropic form is also called yellow phosphorus, to distinguish it from another allotropic form, red phosphorus. It is very active chemically, must be preserved under water, and unites with oxygen even at ordinary temperatures, giving a faint glow, - whence its name. It always occurs combined, usually in phosphates, as in the mineral apatite, in bones, etc. It is used in the composition on the tips of friction matches, and for many other purposes. The molecule contains four atoms. Symbol P. Atomic weight 31.0.

Phosphorus

Hence, any substance which shines in the dark like phosphorus, as certain phosphorescent bodies.

Phosphorus

A multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms

Phosphorus

A planet (usually Venus) seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky

Common Curiosities

Where is phosphorus found?

Phosphorus is found in nature as phosphates in minerals and is crucial to all living organisms.

What does phosphorous mean?

Phosphorous refers to compounds containing phosphorus in the +3 oxidation state, significant in chemistry but less so biologically.

What is phosphorus?

Phosphorus is a chemical element essential for life, involved in numerous biological processes and industrial applications.

How are phosphorus and phosphorous related?

Phosphorous compounds contain phosphorus, but not all phosphorus compounds are phosphorous.

What are the uses of phosphorus in agriculture?

It is primarily used as a component of fertilizers to promote plant growth.

Can phosphorus be found in food?

Yes, phosphorus is an essential mineral found in many foods and is vital for human health.

How do phosphorous compounds affect the environment?

Depending on their nature, they can contribute to pollution if not handled properly, though their impact is generally more specific than widespread.

Why are phosphorous compounds important?

They are key in chemical synthesis, including the production of flame retardants and intermediates in organic chemistry.

What are the environmental concerns with phosphorus?

Excessive phosphorus from fertilizers can lead to water pollution and ecosystem disruption.

How are phosphorus compounds used in industry?

Beyond fertilizers, they're used in detergents, flame retardants, and materials manufacturing.

Are phosphorous compounds toxic?

Some phosphorous compounds can be toxic and require careful handling and disposal.

What is the role of phosphorus in the body?

It is critical for the formation of bones and teeth, DNA synthesis, and energy storage and usage.

Why is phosphorus essential for plants?

It plays a key role in energy transfer, photosynthesis, and the synthesis of nucleic acids and ATP.

What is the difference between phosphate and phosphorous?

Phosphate refers to salts or esters of phosphoric acid, containing phosphorus in a +5 oxidation state, whereas phosphorous pertains to the +3 oxidation state of phosphorus in compounds.

Is phosphorous ever found in its elemental form?

No, phosphorous is a term that describes phosphorus in a specific chemical state within compounds, not as an element.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

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