White phosphorus Red phosphorus Black phosphorus
Discrete tetrahedral Polymeric structure
Exists in two forms - α
P4 molecules consisting of chains of P4 black P and β black P
Very reactive units linked together
Less reactive than white P Very less reactive Glows in dark Does not glow in dark - Translucent waxy Has an iron grey luster Has an opaque solid
Soluble in CS2 but insoluble in water
Insoluble in water as well as -
CS2 It has low ignition - - temperature , therefore , kept under water monoclinic or rhombohedral crystals
Preparation :