How to Extract Red Phosphorus from Match Striker Pads

TL;DR

Extract red phosphorus from match striker pads by dabbing the pad with a wet paper towel and scraping it off with a spatula, timing it so the box does not turn soggy. Stripping eight double-sided match boxes yields about 0.24 grams total, roughly 0.03 grams per box, then washed with acetone and dried on paper. It is time-consuming but a viable source for small-scale experiments. Read on for the exact yield math and drying steps.

Transcript

Red phosphorus is commonly used on match striker pads and it's pretty much the only source of elemental phosphorus for the average person. Although it's a readily available source there's really not much phosphorus on each striker pad and to get a decent amount it takes a lot of time. I think it's only worth it if the red phosphorus is needed in ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😪 Red phosphorus is commonly found on match striker pads and is an accessible source of elemental phosphorus.
• ♠️ Extracting red phosphorus from match striker pads is time-consuming and better suited for small-scale experiments.
• 😪 Red phosphorus is useful in organic chemistry, such as in the production of methyl iodide.
• 👨‍🦳 Conversion of red phosphorus to white phosphorus allows for different reactions.
• 💦 The extraction method described in the video may not work as effectively for all match brands.
• 😪 Timing is crucial to obtain the right consistency for scraping off red phosphorus.
• 📪 Acetone can be used to wash away any residue from the match box before drying the red phosphorus.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do you extract red phosphorus from match striker pads?

Dab the striker pad with a wet paper towel, then scrape off the red phosphorus with a spatula. Timing matters: if you do not wait long enough the phosphorus will not come off, but if you wait too long the box gets soggy and cardboard comes off with it. After scraping, wash with acetone and dry the phosphorus on paper.

Q: How much red phosphorus is in a box of safety matches?

In this experiment, stripping eight match boxes (with striker pads on both sides) gave a total of about 0.24 grams of dried red phosphorus. Divided across the eight boxes, that works out to roughly 0.03 grams of red phosphorus per box.

Q: How many matchboxes would you need for a larger amount of red phosphorus?

Because each box yields only about 0.03 grams, larger quantities take a lot of boxes. The creator used 50 grams of red phosphorus in a methyl iodide video, and to get that from striker pads he would have had to strip something like 1600 boxes.

Q: Does this extraction method work for all match brands?

Not necessarily. The method works well for the match boxes shown in the video, but it might not work as well for another brand. The creator recommends trying different methods and solvents to find what works for your specific matches.

Q: How do you clean and dry the extracted red phosphorus?

Spray a little acetone over the scraped phosphorus to wash away any glue or water, then pour off the acetone, leaving wet red phosphorus behind. Scrape it onto a piece of paper; it starts clumped but becomes powdery as the acetone evaporates. Coming back a few hours later leaves nicely powdered red phosphorus.

Q: Is it worth extracting red phosphorus from matches?

It depends on scale. The creator considers it worthwhile only when small amounts are needed for catalytic uses or small-scale experiments, calling the recovery "not that terrible" and a viable method. For larger-scale work it takes a very long time and a lot of dedication.

Q: What is red phosphorus used for in organic chemistry?

Red phosphorus is a useful reagent. The creator has used it to make methyl iodide and plans to convert it to white phosphorus, which is more reactive. That white phosphorus is intended for making phosphorus pentachloride, which in turn would be used to make glow sticks.

Q: Why are match striker pads a common source of red phosphorus?

Red phosphorus is commonly used on match striker pads, and it is pretty much the only source of elemental phosphorus available to the average person. It is readily available, though there is not much phosphorus on each striker pad, so obtaining a decent amount takes time.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Red phosphorus is commonly found in match striker pads and is the main source of elemental phosphorus for the average person.

• Extracting red phosphorus from match striker pads takes a significant amount of time and dedication to obtain a decent amount.

• Red phosphorus is useful in organic chemistry, such as in the production of methyl iodide, and can be further converted to white phosphorus for different reactions.