Question
Explain the structure of various allotropes of phosphorus.
✓
Answer
Phosphorus is found in different allotropic forms. White and red phosphorus are important allotropes of phosphorus.
$i.$ White $($yellow$)$ phosphorus:
$1.$White $($yellow$)$ phosphorus consists of discrete tetrahedral $P_4$ molecules.
$2.$The $P – P – P$ bond angle is $60^\circ.$
$3.$White phosphorus is less stable and hence more reactive, because of angular strain in the $P_4$ molecule
$ii.$ Red phosphorus:
Red phosphorus consists of chains of $P_4$ linked together by covalent bonds.
Thus, it is polymeric in nature.
$i.$ White $($yellow$)$ phosphorus:
$1.$White $($yellow$)$ phosphorus consists of discrete tetrahedral $P_4$ molecules.
$2.$The $P – P – P$ bond angle is $60^\circ.$
$3.$White phosphorus is less stable and hence more reactive, because of angular strain in the $P_4$ molecule
$ii.$ Red phosphorus:
Red phosphorus consists of chains of $P_4$ linked together by covalent bonds.
Thus, it is polymeric in nature.
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