Historical QOD 4/2/09: What gas is liberated when aluminum phosphide or zinc phosphide interact with water?
Phosphine gas (also known as hydrogen phosphide, phosphorus trihydride or PH3) is liberated when the above mentioned phosphides interact with moisture in the air. Phosphine gas is then the active pesticide when aluminum or zinc phosphide is used to treat grain stored in closed spaces.
Proudfoot A. 2009. Clinical Toxicology 47(2): 89-100
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