Red Phosphorus

From the red phosphorus diagram given above, it can be examined that the pattern of red phosphorus is relatively comparable to that of a P4 molecule. Each phosphorus atom in P4 is associated with three other phosphorus atoms in a tetrahedral pattern. When one of these bonds is broken, these tetrahedral configurations can proceed to bond with neighbouring phosphorus atoms, happening in a polymer-like configuration.

Properties of Red Phosphorus

A few important physical and chemical properties of red phosphorus are tabulated below –

Physical Properties of Red Phosphorus

The physical properties of red phosphorus are discussed below: 

• Molar Mass = 30.974 grams per mole
• Melting point = 860K
• Density = 2.34 grams per cubic centimetre
• Red phosphorus formula = P4 (chain)

Chemical Properties of Red Phosphorus

The chemical properties of red phosphorus are listed below:

• The chemical properties of red phosphorus are discussed below: 
• Red phosphorus is odourless. 
• It has a deep red colour. 
• It is not poisonous to humans in comparison to the white phosphorus allotrope. 
• Heating to temperatures above 300oC, red phosphorus undergoes crystallization. 
• It can also determine a cubic configuration in its crystal lattice.
• This allotrope of phosphorus does not show phosphorescence, i.e., type of photoluminescence. 
• Red phosphorus is not chemically reactive as compared to its white phosphorus companion.

Difference between Red Phosphorus and White Phosphorus

The difference between red phosphorus and white phosphorus are illustrated below-

• Red phosphorus is an allotrope of phosphorus that has a dark red colour whereas white phosphorus is an allotrope of phosphorus that exist as a translucent waxy solid. 
• Red phosphorus exists as a polymeric network but white phosphorus exists as P4 molecules. 
• Red phosphorus appears as dark red coloured crystals whereas white phosphorus exists as a translucent waxy solid that quickly becomes yellow when exposed to light. 
• Red phosphorus is nontoxic and less reactive but white phosphorus is toxic and highly reactive. 
• Red phosphorus is not phosphorescent but white phosphorus is phosphorescent. 
• Red phosphorus ignites in the air at temperatures above 240°C whereas white phosphorus ignites air at low temperatures such as 50°C.
• This is produced via heat-treating white phosphorus where this is produced via heating phosphorus rock in an electric or fuel-fired furnace, i.e., in the presence of carbon and silica.

How to Turn Red Phosphorus into White Phosphorus? 

We have come to know about red phosphorus but do you know how to turn red phosphorus into white phosphorus? To turn red phosphorus into white phosphorus a few different fundamental procedures to obtain white phosphorus are discussed in this subsection.The manufacture of white phosphorus involves the heating of red phosphorus at 550°C. In the presence of an inert atmosphere like N2 or CO2. Then there is a rapid cooling to room temperature to form a white phosphorus.