Question

15. Difference between red phosphorus and white phosphorus

Answer 1

Explanation:

White phosphorus consists of P4 molecules, whereas the crystal structure of red phosphorus has a complicated network of bonding. White phosphorus has to be stored in water to prevent natural combustion, but red phosphorus is stable in air. Figure 2: The four common allotropes of phosphorus

Answer 2

Answer:

White phosphorous is more reactive than red phosphorous because white phosphorous has angular strain in P4 molecule where the angles are only 60o. There is no such angular strain in Red Phosphorous.