Phosphine Sources
Natural sources In marsh gas and other : sites of anaerobic degradation of phosphorus containing matter etc.
Man-made : AlP, Zn3P2, Mg3P2

Phosphine
- Molecular weight
- Boiling point (0C)
- Specific gravity (air =1)
- Vapour pressure at 250C (atmos)
- Flammability limits (% v/v)
- Solubility in water (g/L at 170C)
Properties
- Molecular weight
- Boiling point (0C)
- Specific gravity (air =1)
- Vapour pressure at 250C (atmos)
- Flammability limits (% v/v)
- Solubility in water (g/L at 170C)
Properties
- 34
- -87
- 1.17
- 38.5 (29,260 mm of Hg)
- 1.8 (24.9 g/m3)
- 0.35
Phosphine
- 34
- -87.7
- 0.35
- 29,260
- Very low
MBR
- 95
- 3.6
- 13.4
- 1,824
- Moderate




Phosphine : Merits
- Cheap
- Low residue levels
- Quick dispersion; fan not required
- Airs off easily after treatment
- Environmentally safe
Phosphine : Features
- Easy to store, handle and apply
- Detectable at hygienic levels
- No tainting or off-odour
- No adverse effect on quality, organoleptic property, germination & end-use parameters
Drawbacks
- Long exposure period essential
- Insect resistance a major threat
- Corrodes metals especially copper
- Not applicable for vacuum fumigation
Requirements for AlP Formulations as per the Insecticides Act, 1968
- 01 Composition
- Aluminium Phosphide (a.i) – 56 % w/w
- Aluminium carbonate – 5
- Aluminium stearate – 2.5
- Aluminium oxide / hydroxide – 14.5
- Urea – 18.0
- Graphite – 1.5
- Paraffin wax – 2.5
- 02 Shelf life – 2 or 3 years
- 03 Packing specification – As per IS 8190 part IV 1988
- 04 Other requirements – As per IS 6438 – 1980