Phosphorus pentoxide is obtained by burning white phosphorus in air. The high-purity product is the starting material for phosphate esters (predominantly mono- and di-esters). These have many applications, such as surfactants, wetting agents and extraction agents. Phosphorus pentoxide is also a very efficient drying and dehydration agent. It is used as such in synthesis pathways requiring the removal of a water molecule.
The product is a white free-flowing powder.