Draw the structure of white phosphorus and red phosphorus. Which one of these two type of phosphorus, is more reactive and why? Or Which allotrope of phosphorus is more reactive and why? Or Why is red phosphorus less reactive than white phosphorus. Or Draw the structural difference between white and red phosphorus.

Draw the structure of white phosphorus and red phosphorus. Which one o

1.	Draw the structure of white phosphorus and red phosphorus. Which one of these two type of phosphorus, is more reactive and why? Or Which allotrope of phosphorus is more reactive and why? Or Why is red phosphorus less reactive than white phosphorus. Or Draw the structural difference between white and red phosphorus.
Answer» Solution :Both white and red phosphorus consist of `P_(4)` tetrahedra. In white phosphorus, the various `P_(4)` molecules are held together by weak van der Waals FORCES of attraction. In each `P_(4)` molecule, the PPP ANGLE is only `60^(@)` which is much smaller than the normal tetrahedral angle of `109^(@)-28`'. As a result, there is considerable angle strain. Due to weaker forces of attraction and considerable angle strain, white PHOSPORUS is very reactive. In contrast, in red phosphorus, these `P_(4)` tetrahedra are joined together through covalent bonds to GIVE polymeric structure Since it is difficult to break strong covalent bonds as compared to weak van der Waals forces of attraction, therefore, white phosphorus is more reactive than red phosphorus.