Why white phosphorus does not react with water?

Answer 1

These two most common forms of the element Phosphorus react differently because they are bonded differently. White phosphorus is structured as individual molecules of 4 atoms bonded together to form a tetrahedron. The P4 rings are held to each other by physical bonding (like other molecular substances) but no chemical bonding. These P4 rings are an unstable arrangement which makes the white phosphorus extremely reactive. Red phosphorus also has groups of 4 atoms, but they are not rings. One side is open, which allows each P4 group to chemically bond to a neighboring group, so that a huge amorphous network is formed instead of individual molecules. This is a relatively stable arrangement which makes the red phosphorus less reactive.

Answer 2

White Phosphorus is a translucent white solid , is poisonous and insoluble in water. It glows in the dark (Chemiluminiscence). , It is less stable and hence , more reactive. It is soluble in Carbon disulphide. Its molecular formula is P4 , and the structure is tetrahedral with a P atom at every vertex.

Red Phosphorus is red, odorless and non poisonous, does not glow in the dark. It is much less reactive that White phosphorus and hence is much more stable . It does react slowly with water to form phosphine PH3 which is toxic. It is insoluble in carbon disulphide. It has a polymeric structure

Answer 3

These are two names for the same form of the element - there is almost no difference at all. White phosphorus is relatively transparent white, but gets a yellow tinge to it when exposed to air, where the surface oxidises which changes the optical properties (it also glows in the dark as a result of the oxidation).

Answer 4

phosphorus is a non metal element that whyy they does not react with water .i will say other thing if u don't mind why ? chlorine does beausee they are few chlorine oxides which are formed under specificc conditions.

Answer 5

Phosphorus is more reactive than Nitrogen because P does not form P2 molecule but N2 has triple bond.

Answer 6

The electronegativity of sulfur (2,58) is higher than the electronegativity of phosphorus (2,19).