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Question

Explain the comparison of the reactivity of allotropes of phosphorus?


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Solution

Allotropy

  1. Allotropy is the property of some of the chemical elements in which they exist in two or more different forms but in the same physical state.
  2. Example of elements that show allotropy is Carbon (C) and Phosphorus (P).

Allotropes of Phosphorous

Phosphorous exists in three allotropic forms:

  1. White Phosphorous
  2. Black Phosphorous
  3. Red Phosphorous

Reactivity of allotropes of Phosphorus:-

PropertyWhite phosphorusRed phosphorusBlack phosphorus
ColorWhiteDark redBlack
StateWaxy solidBrittle powderCrystalline and amorphous
Density1.84 g/cm32.1 g/cm32.34 g/cm3
Ignition temperature307 K533 K673 K
Melting point317 KDoesn’t melt860 K

Therefore, white Phosphorus is the most reactive followed by red Phosphorus which is moderately reactive, and black Phosphorus is the least reactive from all three, White P> Red P > Black P.


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