Why is white phosphorus not soluble in water?

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In summary, white phosphorus is not soluble in water and can react with water to form acid products, potentially leading to ignition. On the other hand, red phosphorus is polymeric and waxy in nature, explaining its lack of solubility in both water and organic solvents.
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jd12345
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White phosphorus is not soluble in water. But won't it react with water when you put it into water. Its highly strained and should react immediately.
And why is red phosphorus not soluble both in water and orgnaic solvents. If its nonpolar it should be soluble in organic solvents
 
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Red phosphorus is polymeric, as memory serves. So that pretty much explains its lack of solubility in water and - at least to some extent - other solvents.

White phosphorus can form its acid products when exposed to water and air under certain conditions, although slowly and there runs the risk of ignition if you stray from those particular conditions. I don't think it's polymeric, but it is rather waxy in nature, and I recall is a bit more amenable to typical organic solvents.

And that's about all of the phosphorus chemistry I can recall at the moment.
 

1. Why is white phosphorus not soluble in water?

White phosphorus is not soluble in water because it is a non-polar molecule. This means that it does not have a charge and therefore cannot form strong interactions with the polar water molecules.

2. Can white phosphorus be dissolved in any other solvents?

Yes, white phosphorus can be dissolved in some non-polar solvents such as carbon disulfide and benzene. This is because these solvents have similar non-polar characteristics to phosphorus, allowing for stronger interactions and dissolution.

3. Is white phosphorus dangerous to handle due to its insolubility in water?

White phosphorus can be dangerous to handle due to its flammable properties and toxicity. However, its insolubility in water does not contribute to its danger. In fact, the fact that it is insoluble in water makes it easier to handle and transport without the risk of it reacting with water.

4. Are there any practical applications for white phosphorus's insolubility in water?

Yes, the fact that white phosphorus is insoluble in water makes it useful in certain industrial processes. For example, it is used as a coating for matches, as it is not affected by moisture in the air. It is also used in creating smoke screens and in the production of pesticides.

5. Can white phosphorus ever become soluble in water?

No, white phosphorus cannot become soluble in water. Its molecular structure does not allow for the formation of strong interactions with water molecules. However, it can undergo chemical reactions with other substances to form compounds that are soluble in water.

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