Question

Write main differences between the properties of white phosphorus and red phosphorus.

Answer 1

Property	White Phosphorus	Red Phosphorus
Appearance and Smell:	It is a soft, waxy solid with a garlic-like smell.	It is a hard, crystalline solid without any smell.
Toxicity:	It is poisonous.	It is non-poisonous.
Solubility:	Insoluble in water but soluble in carbon disulphide.	Insoluble in both water and carbon disulphide.
Reactivity:	Undergoes spontaneous combustion in air.	Comparatively less reactive and stable in air.
Structure:	Exists as discrete P4 molecules in both solid and vapour states.	Exists as a polymeric chain of linked P4 tetrahedra.