Question

What is Beta-black phosphorous?

Answer 1

Allotropes of black phosphorous:

• There are two types of black phosphorous.
• $\mathrm{\alpha }$-black phosphorous and $\mathrm{\beta }$-black phosphorous.

$\mathrm{\beta }$-black phosphorous:

• It is prepared by heating white phosphorous at $473\mathrm{K}$ under the conditions of high pressure.
• It does not oxidise in air upto $673\mathrm{K}$.
• Alpha black phosphorous cannot conduct electricity while beta form conducts electricity.