Q3 of 26 Page 1

Out of white phosphorus and red phosphorus, which one is more reactive and why?

White phosphorus is more reactive than red phosphorus. As white phosphorus contain single P 4 tetrahedra with angle = 60° which is responsible for high angular strain in white phosphorus make it unstable and highly reactive. Whereas red phosphorus is a polymer of P4 tetrahedra, due to which it experiences less angular strain and hence becomes more stable and less reactive.


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