phosphorus pentoxide
noun
: a compound known in various polymeric forms (P2O5)x that is obtained usually by burning phosphorus in an excess of dry air, occurs as a white powder that reacts vigorously and sometimes explosively with water to form phosphoric acids irritating to the skin and mucous membranes, and is used chiefly as a drying agent, as a condensing agent in organic synthesis, and in making phosphoric acids and derivatives
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“Phosphorus pentoxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/phosphorus%20pentoxide. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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