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White phosphorus, yellow phosphorus, or simply tetraphosphorus (P 4) is an allotrope of phosphorus. It is a translucent waxy solid that quickly yellows in light (due to its photochemical conversion into red phosphorus ), [ 2 ] and impure white phosphorus is for this reason called yellow phosphorus.
White phosphorus, yellow phosphorus or simply tetraphosphorus (P 4) exists as molecules of four phosphorus atoms in a tetrahedral structure, joined by six phosphorus—phosphorus single bonds. [1] The free P 4 molecule in the gas phase has a P-P bond length of r g = 2.1994(3) Å as was determined by gas electron diffraction . [ 2 ]
People exposed to white phosphorus can suffer severe and sometimes deadly bone-deep burns. It can cause organs to shut down, and burns on just 10% of the body can be fatal, HRW said.
One exception is phosphorus, for which the most stable form at 1 bar is black phosphorus, but white phosphorus is chosen as the standard reference state for zero enthalpy of formation. [2] For example, the standard enthalpy of formation of carbon dioxide is the enthalpy of the following reaction under the above conditions:
The Pentagon recommended providing the white phosphorus shells to Ukraine as part of several aid packages, including a recent one, as a Presidential Drawdown Authority, according to the officials.
National Security Council spokesperson says Biden administration ‘concerned’ over reports that Israel may have misused the controversial weapons
The acid is prepared industrially via a two step process: Firstly, elemental white phosphorus reacts with alkali and alkaline earth hydroxides to give an aqueous solution of hypophosphites: P 4 + 4 OH − + 4 H 2 O → 4 H 2 PO − 2 + 2 H 2. Any phosphites produced in this step can be selectively precipitated out by treatment with calcium salts.
White phosphorus is an incendiary weapon and can cause extreme burns. Other outlets have corroborated allegations that white phosphorus was used in those areas at around that time.