Which one of the following substance is used in the laboratory for fas...
Phosphorus pentoxide has great affinity for water. It forms ortho phosphoric acid on absorbing water
It is thus used as a powerful dehydrating or drying agent.
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Which one of the following substance is used in the laboratory for fas...
Substance used for fast drying of neutral gases
Phosphorus pentoxide is used in the laboratory for fast drying of neutral gases. Let's understand why:
Properties of Phosphorus pentoxide
- Phosphorus pentoxide is a powerful desiccant. It can absorb moisture from the air and react with it to form phosphoric acid.
- It is a white, crystalline solid that is commonly used as a dehydrating agent.
- It has a very high affinity for water and can absorb it from the air, making it useful for drying gases.
- It can also react with other compounds to remove water from them.
Fast drying of neutral gases
- In the laboratory, it is important to have dry gases for certain experiments.
- Phosphorus pentoxide can be used to dry neutral gases such as nitrogen, helium, and argon quickly and efficiently.
- The gas is passed through a tube containing phosphorus pentoxide, which absorbs any moisture present in the gas.
- The dry gas can then be collected and used for experiments.
Conclusion
Phosphorus pentoxide is a powerful desiccant that can be used in the laboratory for fast drying of neutral gases. Its high affinity for water allows it to absorb moisture from the air and react with it to form phosphoric acid, making it an effective dehydrating agent. It is commonly used to dry gases such as nitrogen, helium, and argon to ensure that they are dry and suitable for certain experiments.