Question

Which of the following Phosphorus is the most reactive?

• A. Red Phosphorus
• B. White Phosphorus
• C. Violet Phosphorus
• D. Scarlet Phosphorus

Answer 1

The correct option is B

White Phosphorus

Explanation for correct option:

B. White phosphorus

• Phosphorus has many allotropic forms which are red, black as well white.
• White phosphorus is the highly reactive allotrope of phosphorus.
• “White phosphorus is a translucent white waxy solid. It is poisonous, insoluble in water but soluble in carbon disulfide and glows in dark (chemiluminescence).”
• White phosphorus is less stable and therefore, more reactive than the other allotropes of Phosphorus under normal conditions because of angular strain in the ${\mathrm{P}}_4$ molecule where the angles are only $60°$.
• The structure of white phosphorus is shown below:

Explanation for incorrect options:

Red, violet, and Scarlet Phosphorus are less reactive as compared to white phosphorus. Thus, options A, C, and D stand incorrect.

Hence, the correct option is B i.e. White phosphorus.