3 ms·
Interesting. > As far as scientists know, there are only two ways to produce it, either artificially in a lab, or by certain kinds of microbes that live in oxy
by avmich 6y ago
Interesting.
> As far as scientists know, there are only two ways to produce it, either artificially in a lab, or by certain kinds of microbes that live in oxygen-free environments.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphine
Philippe Gengembre (1764–1838), a student of Lavoisier, first obtained phosphine in 1783 by heating phosphorus in an aqueous solution of potash (potassium carbonate).[4][5]
- heavenlyblue 6y agoSo you can obtain it without microbes?
- saberdancer 6y agoYes, the article was clear on that. There are methods to produce it "naturally" or in a lab, but no explanation fits the amount of gas they have detected. So either they do not understand conditions on Venus, there is a new method to produce it or there is a microbe producing it.
- throwaway316943 6y agoAnd how do you propose to obtain elemental phosphorus in the atmosphere of Venus? As a side note, phosphorus is actually named after Venus the morning star, light bearer, etc because it is highly reactive and glows slightly in the presence of oxygen.
- gus_massa 6y ago> And how do you propose to obtain elemental phosphorus in the atmosphere of Venus? The second preparation method in Wikipedia looks more plausible https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphine#Laboratory_routes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphine#Laboratory_routes > 4 H3PO3 → PH3 + 3 H3PO4 > Phosphine evolution occurs around 200 °C (400°F). But I only have a Chemistry specialization in my secondary school and I am not an astrogeologer.