(N/A) Property White Phosphorus Red Phosphorus Structure Exists as discrete $P_4$ molecules where $P$ atoms lie at the corners o

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(N/A) Property White Phosphorus Red Phosphorus Structure Exists as discrete $P_4$ molecules where $P$ atoms lie at the corners of a tetrahedron with $60^{\circ}$ bond angles. Exists as a polymeric chain structure formed by breaking one $P-P$ bond in the $P_4$ tetrahedron. Reactivity Highly reactive due to high angular strain in the $P_4$ molecule. Less reactive because the polymeric structure reduces the angular strain.

Class 12 Chemistry p-Block Elements (Class 12)Nitrogen family

Medium

Phosphorus has three allotropic forms:
$(i)$ white phosphorus
$(ii)$ red phosphorus and
$(iii)$ black phosphorus.
Write the difference between white and red phosphorus on the basis of their structure and reactivity.

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Solution

(N/A)

Property	White Phosphorus	Red Phosphorus
Structure	Exists as discrete $P_4$ molecules where $P$ atoms lie at the corners of a tetrahedron with $60^{\circ}$ bond angles.	Exists as a polymeric chain structure formed by breaking one $P-P$ bond in the $P_4$ tetrahedron.
Reactivity	Highly reactive due to high angular strain in the $P_4$ molecule.	Less reactive because the polymeric structure reduces the angular strain.