Phosphorus pentasulfide is usually found as a dimer (tetraphosphorus decasulfide)

Yellowish powder at room temperature with odor of hydrogen sulfide.
Molecular Formula	P2S5	Molecular Weight	222.28
Boiling Point	513-515°C	Melting Point	279-283°C
Vapor Density	1mm Hg at 300°C	Liquid Density	N/A
Highly flammable

Also refer to 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG2000) Guide 139.

Health Hazards

Phosphorus pentasulfide is irritating to the skin, throat, eyes and lungs and can cause pulmonary edema. It is reactive with water forming hydrogen sulfide, which is actually more toxic than hydrogen cyanide.

Risk and Safety Phrases.

INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL USES

Phosphorus pentasulfide can be used to introduce a phosphorus bonded to a sulfur into an organic compound, such as V-type nerve agents including VX.

The most significant commercial use of phosphorus pentasulfide is in the manufacture of zinc dialkyldithiophosphates additives for high performance lubricants. It is also used in the manufacture of insecticides including chlorpyrifos and in the manufacture of thiophosphates used in mining for ore flotation.

COMMENTS

Like another nerve agent precursor, phosphorus trichloride, is prepared by the reaction of two elements: molten sulfur and molten phosphorus. Annual production and consumption in the US is about 50,000 tons per year. This figure has been stable or slightly declining since the 1970's.