It reacts with water to form phosphoric acid and is used as a drying agent. All of the halogens combine directly with phosphorus to form halides, which are used in the preparation of halogen acids and organic compounds. The most important commercial compounds of phosphorus are phosphoric acid and the salts of phosphoric acid, called phosphates. The bulk of phosphorus-containing compounds are used as fertilizers. Phosphorous compounds are also used in clarifying sugar solution s, weighing silk, and fireproofing, and in such alloy s as phosphor bronze and phosphor copper .
White phosphorus is used in the making of rat poison, and red phosphorus is used in match es.
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