ABSTRACT
Elemental phosphorus can exist in different allotropes: the most common are white (yellow) tetraphosphorus solid P4 and the red amorphous polymeric solid, while the more rare black and violet solids can also exist, as well as the gaseous diphosphorus P2 at high temperatures. Brand was attempting to create the philosopher’s stone through the distillation of salts by evaporating urine, and in the process produced a white phosphorus material that glowed in dark due to oxidation. This new element was therefore named phosphorus, after the name of the planet Venus (the “morning star”) in ancient Greece, and is derived from the Greek words meaning “light bearer.” Phosphorus is also present in phospholipids, which are the main structural components of all cellular membranes, and an important stiffening constituent of the bones and teeth as calcium phosphate. P magnetic resonance spectroscopic can therefore provide direct information on the liver (hepatic) metabolism and how it is affected by pathologies such as alcoholic liver disease.
