Question

What is the product formed when white phosphorus reacts with caustic soda?

Answer 1

White phosphorus

• It is an allotrope of phosphorus.
• It is a translucent white waxy solid.
• It is poisonous, insoluble in water but soluble in carbon disulfide.
• It glows in dark (chemiluminescence).

The reaction of white phosphorus with caustic soda

• The chemical formula of caustic soda is $\mathrm{NaOH}$.
• When white phosphorus reacts with caustic soda, the formation of phosphine$\left({\mathrm{PH}}_3\right)$ and Sodium hypophosphite$\left({\mathrm{NaH}}_2{\mathrm{PO}}_2\right)$ takes place.
• The reaction of white phosphorus with caustic soda is as follows:-
• ${\mathrm{P}}_4\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+3{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)+3\mathrm{NaOH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to 3{\mathrm{NaH}}_2{\mathrm{PO}}_2\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{PH}}_3\left(\mathrm{g}\right)$