Phosphorus: Allotropes & Chemical Reactions
Phosphorus exhibits allotropy, with White Phosphorus being highly reactive and Red Phosphorus being chemically stable. Understanding their distinct reaction patterns is key for inorganic chemistry.
1. White vs Red Phosphorus
White Phosphorus consists of discrete $P_4$ tetrahedra with high angular strain ($60^\circ$), making it unstable and reactive. Red Phosphorus is a polymeric chain of $P_4$ tetrahedra, making it stable.
Reactivity & Phosphorescence
White Phosphorus glows in the dark (Chemiluminescence) due to slow oxidation. It ignites spontaneously in air at roughly $35^\circ\text{C}$.
Storage: Kept under water to prevent oxidation.
Figure: Comprehensive Reaction Chart of White Phosphorus ($P_4$)
2. Key Chemical Reactions
Phosphorus reacts with non-metals like Oxygen and Chlorine, and undergoes disproportionation in alkalis.
Reaction with Halogens
- Limited Supply: Forms Trihalides.
$P_4 + 6Cl_2 \rightarrow 4PCl_3$ - Excess Supply: Forms Pentahalides.
$P_4 + 10Cl_2 \rightarrow 4PCl_5$
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