Question

What happens when white phosphorus reacts with limited supply of air?

• A. It gives white fumes of $P_4{O}_{10}$
• B. It gives $P_4{O}_6$
• C. It gives white fumes of $P_4{O}_{10}$
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B It gives $P_4{O}_6$

White phosphorus on excess of air gives white fumes of $P_4{O}_{10}$
But in limites supply of oxygen it gives $P_4{O}_6$.
$P_4+\underset{\text{limited supply}}{3O_2}\to P_4{O}_6$