Question

Why do we store phosphorus in water?

Answer 1

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. ... This form does not ignite spontaneously and it isnot as dangerous as whitephosphorus.

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. ... This form does not ignite spontaneously and it is not as dangerous as white phosphorus.

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The allotropy form of phosphorus i.e, white phosphorus is less stable and therefore highly reactive because of angular strain P4 molecule where the angle are only 60°. It readily catches fire in Air to give dense white fumes of P4O10.

P4 + 5O2 — ——— > P4O10

Therefore it is kept in water to avoid Oxidation by the Oxygen present in the Air. Phosphorus is insoluble in water.

Phosphorus react vigorously with Oxygen present in air. So it is kept in water as in water hydrogen content is greater than oxygen. As it is dangerously reactive in air, it should be handle with forceps, as contact with skin may cause severe burns..