Why is white phosphorus more toxic than red phosphorus?

Although Red Phosphorus contains more atoms linked with each other in a network than the white phosphorus does, which actually makes it much more stable. Hence, White phosphorus is the one which is least stable, but the most reactive, also the most volatile, the least dense, and the most toxic of the allotropes.

Why is white phosphorus toxic?

Phosphorus spontaneously ignites on contact with air, producing toxic fumes (phosphorus oxides). Phosphorus reacts violently with oxidants, halogens, some metals, nitrites, sulfur, and many other compounds. This causes a fire and explosion hazard. Phosphorus reacts with strong bases to produce toxic phosphine gas.

Which form of phosphorus is highly toxic?

white phosphorus
Yellow phosphorus (white phosphorus) is a significantly more hazardous form of the element and may be present as a contaminant in red phosphorus. This allotrope of phosphorus is extremely toxic and the estimated human lethal dose is 50 – 100 mg.

What is the difference between white and red phosphorus?

The key difference between red and white phosphorus is that red phosphorus appears as dark red colored crystals whereas white phosphorus exists as a translucent waxy solid that quickly becomes yellow when exposed to light.

Why white phosphorus is more reactive than red and black phosphorus?

White phosphorus is more reactive than red phosphorus because red phosphorus has polymeric structure . it consists of chains of P4 linked together .

How toxic is phosphate?

Too much phosphate can cause health problems, such as kidney damage and osteoporosis. Phosphate shortages can also occur. These are caused by extensive use of medicine. Too little phosphate can cause health problems.

What does white phosphorus do to humans?

HIGHLIGHTS: White phosphorus is a waxy solid which burns easily and is used in chemical manufacturing and smoke munitions. Exposure to white phosphorus may cause burns and irritation, liver, kidney, heart, lung, or bone damage, and death.

Is white phosphorus a war crime?

The munitions allegedly contained white phosphorus—a self-igniting chemical that can burn at upwards of 4,800 degrees Fahrenheit once it makes contact with air. “It’s a horrific weapon. And yet, although the use of white phosphorus may be considered a war crime if used against civilians, typically it is not.

White phosphorus is made up of discrete P4 tetrahedra, and therefore it is easily volatilized, thereby making it easier to be inhaled or ingested into the body. This increased bioavailability also makes white phosphorous more toxic than red phosphorus. reference: Why is white phosphorus more reactive than red phosphorus?

Why is white phosphorus unstable in air?

It is unstable in air—first forming white fumes before bursting into flames. White phosphorus has been called the “ devil’s element ” because it glows green in the dark and is pyrophoric. Because of its instability, white phosphorus is typically stored under water, in which it is barely soluble.

How does white phosphorus burn affect the body?

White phosphorus particles can burn on the surface of the skin or penetrate deep into the tissues when carried on shrapnel particles. Local destruction of tissues continues as long as white phosphorus is exposed to oxygen. White phosphorus smoke with a garlic odor is characteristic of white phosphorus burns (Eldad and Simon 1991).

What is white phosphorus used for in everyday life?

White phosphorus is used industrially to manufacture chemicals used in fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning compounds. It has been used in the past as a pesticide and in fireworks. It is used by the military in various types of ammunition as an incendiary agent (because it spontaneously catches fire in air)…