Question

Explain the structure of white Phosphorus?

Answer 1

White Phosphorus$\left({\mathrm{P}}_4\right)$

1. White phosphorous is the most common form of Phosphorous.
2. White phosphorus is a very reactive element.
3. The atomic size of Phosphorus is large, therefore, it can form a single bond easily with other Phosphorus atoms. Hence, it exists as tetra atomic molecules.

Structure of White Phosphorus:

1. It exists in$\left({\mathrm{P}}_4\right)$ units of tetra atomic molecules.
2. $4-P$ of atoms at the corners of the regular tetrahedron
3. Each$\mathrm{P}$ atom is linked with other $3-\mathrm{P}$ atoms by covalent bonds
4. There are six sigma bonds and four lone pairs of electrons in White Phosphorus
5. There are four units of Phosphorous$\left(\mathrm{P}\right)$ and each $\mathrm{P}$ -atom is linked to one another through the single bonds having the bond angle${60}^0$