Question

Which phosphorus is most reactive?

Answer 1

Allotropes of phosphorus

• Phosphorus is found in various allotropic forms.
• The important allotropic forms of phosphorus are black phosphorus, white phosphorus, and red phosphorus.
• Allotropy refers to the ability of some elements to exist in two or more distinct forms in the same physical state, referred to as allotropes.

White phosphorus

• White phosphorus is the least stable of the phosphorus elements, making it the most reactive.
• The white phosphorus structure is made up of discrete tetrahedra with a high angular strain.
• In low-oxygen water, white phosphorus may break down into phosphine, an extremely poisonous chemical.