Question

What happens when phosphorus is kept in open air?

Answer 1

It reacts immediately as it comes in contact with the atmospheric air. When exposed to air, it spontaneously ignites and is oxidized rapidly tophosphorus pentoxide. ... This is the reason for storing White phosphorus in other solvents.

Answer 2

White phosphorus should be kept under water, as it is dangerously reactive in air, and it should be handled with forceps, as contact with the skin may cause severe burns.

highly reacts, and spontaneously combusts when exposed to the air.