Aluminium phosphide

Aluminium phosphide (AlP) is an inorganic compound used chiefly as a fumigant. Contact with moisture releases phosphine, a highly toxic gas.

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Phosphine: Phosphine (PH₃) is a colorless, highly toxic gas that can ignite spontaneously in air. Water reacts with aluminium phosphide to release this toxic fumigant gas.
Fumigation: Fumigation is pest control that uses gases or vapors to reach organisms in enclosed spaces or stored materials. Aluminium phosphide tablets generate phosphine for fumigating stored commodities and structures.
Phosphine poisoning: Phosphine poisoning is illness caused by inhaling or otherwise absorbing phosphine, which can cause cardiovascular and respiratory failure. Aluminium phosphide poisoning occurs when its released phosphine is inhaled or generated inside the body.
Magnesium phosphide: Magnesium phosphide (Mg₃P₂) is an inorganic compound that releases phosphine when it reacts with water. It shares AlP’s phosphine-generating use but has a different metal component and formula.
Hydrolysis: Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which a substance reacts with water, often breaking chemical bonds. Moisture hydrolyzes aluminium phosphide and produces phosphine.
Stored-product pest control: Stored-product pest control prevents or suppresses insects and other pests in harvested commodities during storage. Phosphine from AlP is used against pests in stored grain and other commodities.
Occupational poisoning: Occupational poisoning is illness caused by exposure to toxic substances during work. Workers handling fumigants or entering treated spaces can encounter phosphine released from AlP.
Zinc phosphide: Zinc phosphide (Zn₃P₂) is a toxic inorganic compound used chiefly as a rodenticide. Unlike aluminium phosphide fumigants, zinc phosphide is primarily used as a bait poison.
Aluminium: Aluminium is a lightweight metallic element with symbol Al and atomic number 13. Aluminium atoms form the metal component of the AlP crystal lattice.
Phosphine fumigation: Phosphine fumigation uses phosphine gas to control pests in stored products, buildings, or transport containers. It is the specific fumigation method enabled by aluminium phosphide’s reaction with moisture.