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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 is reduced by sodium-potassium alloy: [6] P 4 + 12 Na → 4 Na 3 P. Phosphorus reacts with sodium in an autoclave at 150 °C for 5 hours to produce Na 3 P. [7] Alternatively the reaction can be conducted at normal pressures but using a temperatures gradient to generate nonvolatile Na x P phases (x < 3) that then react further ...
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.
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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.
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.
White phosphorus is a highly efficient smoke-producing agent, reacting with air to produce an immediate blanket of phosphorus pentoxide vapour. Smoke-producing white phosphorus munitions are very common, particularly as smoke grenades for infantry , loaded in defensive grenade launchers on tanks and other armoured vehicles, and in the ...