Chemistry · Group 13 to Group 18 Elements

Following table compares properties of red phosphorus and white phosphorus. Whic

Following table compares properties of red phosphorus and white phosphorus. Which is incorrect comparison?

  • A. Red- Nontoxic and has polymeric structure; White - Toxic, waxy discrete tetrahedral \( P_{4} \) molecule
  • B. Red - Discrete tetrahedral \( P_{4} \) molecule; White - Polymeric structure
  • C. Red - High m.p., less reactive; White - Low m.p., more reactive
  • D. Red - Shows no phosphorescence in air; White - Shows phosphorescence in air

Step-by-step solution

Red phosphorus has a polymeric structure, while white phosphorus consists of discrete tetrahedral P4 molecules. Option B reverses these properties, making it the incorrect comparison.
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