Question

What is red phosphorus?

Answer 1

Red phosphorus

• Red phosphorus is an allotropic form of phosphorus, with chemical formula ${\mathrm{P}}_4$ .
• When white phosphorus is heated at $573\mathrm{K}$ in the presence of inert atmosphere for several days, then red phosphorus is obtained.
• Its structure is shown below.

Properties of red phosphorus

• Heating red phosphorus under high pressure conditions results in the formation of black phosphorus.
• Iron grey luster is possessed by red phosphorus.
• It is quite insoluble in carbon disulfide and water.