Chem4Kids.com: Phosphorus: Say It

PHOS-PHO-RUS

Chem4Kids Scientist Guy with Spiked Hair

Even though humans have been using compounds with phosphorus for thousands of years, it was not isolated and named until 1669 by a chemist named Brand. We always like the anecdote that he was able to isolate phosphorus from samples of his urine ("His", meaning he probably owned it... we think... unless he took someone else's... let's not go into it). Now that's dedication!

Phosphorus is another one of those elements that you will never find free in nature. It is very reactive. When isolated and pure, phosphorus is clear and almost transparent. There are four common forms used today: white, black, red, and violet. It's easy to spot phosphorus on the periodic table just under nitrogen at position number fifteen.

RELATED LINKS

- Chem4Kids: Periodic Table
- Chem4Kids: Nitrogen
- Chem4Kids: Chemical Bonds
- Chem4Kids: Biochemistry
- Geography4Kids: Biosphere
- Geography4Kids: Phosphorus Cycle
- Biology4Kids: Cell Function

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