Question

When white phosphorus is heated at 473 K under high pressure, what will happen?

• A. $\alpha$- Black phosphorus is formed.
• B. $\beta$-Black phosphorus is formed.
• C. Red phosphorus is formed.
• D. No change would be observed.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$\beta$-Black phosphorus is formed.

When white phosphorus is heated at 473 K under high pressure $\beta$-Black phosphorus is formed.

$Whitephosporous\to \beta$-Black phosphorus.

Hence option B is correct.