Question

What is Beta-black phosphorous?

Answer 1

Allotropes of black phosphorous:

• Black phosphorous comes in two different varieties.
• $\mathrm{\alpha }-$black phosphorous and $\mathrm{\beta }-$black phosphorous.

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

• White phosphorous is heated to a temperature of 473 K while being subjected to high pressures to create it.
• Up to 673 K, it does not oxidize in air.
• Beta form of black phosphorous conduct electricity, but the alpha form cannot.

${\mathrm{P}}_4\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+3\mathrm{NaOH}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+3{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)\to {\mathrm{PH}}_3\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+3{\mathrm{NaH}}_2{\mathrm{PO}}_2\left(\mathrm{s}\right)$