In consequence, the 'strike-anywhere' matches were gradually replaced by 'safety matches' , wherein the white phosphorus was replaced by phosphorus sesquisulfide (P4S3), sulfur, or antimony sulfide. Such matches are  difficult to ignite on any surface other than a special  strip. The strip contains red phosphorus that heats up upon striking, reacts with the oxygen-releasing compound in the head, and ignites the flammable material of the head .
In consequence, phosphorous matches were gradually replaced by safer alternatives. Around 1900 french chemists Henri Sévène and Emile David Cahen invented the modern strike-anywhere match , wherein the white phosphorus was replaced by phosphorus sesquisulfide (P4S3), a non-toxic and non-pyrophoric compound that ignites under friction. For a time these safer strike-anywhere matches where quite popular but in the long run they where superseded by the modern safety match. Safety matches are very difficult to ignite on any surface other than a special striker strip. The strip contains non-toxic red phosphorus and the match head potassium chlorate, an oxygen-releasing compound . When struck, small amounts of abrasion from match head and striker strip are mixed intimately to make a small quantity of Armstrong's mixture, a very touch sensitive composition. The fine powder ignites immediately and provides the initial spark to set off the match head. Safety matches separate the two components of the ignition mixture until the match is struck. This is the key safety advantage as it prevents accidental ignition .
R
the 'strike-anywhere'
phosphorous
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'safety matches'
safer alternatives. Around 1900 french chemists Henri Sévène and Emile David Cahen invented the modern strike-anywhere match
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sulfur, or antimony sulfide. Such matches are
a non-toxic and non-pyrophoric compound that ignites under friction. For a time these safer strike-anywhere matches where quite popular but in the long run they where superseded by the modern safety match.
A
Safety matches are very
A
striker
R
red phosphorus that heats up upon striking, reacts with the
non-toxic red phosphorus and the match head potassium chlorate, an
R
in the head, and ignites the flammable material of the head
. When struck, small amounts of abrasion from match head and striker strip are mixed intimately to make a small quantity of Armstrong's mixture, a very touch sensitive composition. The fine powder ignites immediately and provides the initial spark to set off the match head. Safety matches separate the two components of the ignition mixture until the match is struck. This is the key safety advantage as it prevents accidental ignition