What is Allotropes of phosphorous?
[[File:PhosphorusAllotropes.svg|thumb|353x353px]] [[File:PhosphComby.jpg|thumb|White (left), red (two in the center), and violet phosphorous (right)]] [[Phosphorus|Phosophorus]] is an [[element]] that exists in different forms, called [[Allotropy|allotropes]]. The most common of these are white or red solids. * In [[White phosphorus|white phosphorous]] four atoms form a [[Tetrahedron|tetrahedral structure]]. There are two known crystalline forms. Because phosphorous will spontaneously ignite when it comes in contact with oxygen, it needs to be stored in a [[liquid]] such as water. Usually it is a waxy solid. Because it is highly flammable, white phosphorous is used as a [[White phosphorous bomb|weapon]]. * Heating white phosphorous to about {{Convert|270|°C}} without air will give [[red phosphorous]]. Red-phosphorous is [[Amorphous solid|amorphic]], and will no longer self-ignite when exposed to air. It is used as a [[fire retardant]]. When expsed to a little energy, red phosphorous can [[explode]]. * [[Black phosphorous]] is the most stable form. It is obtained by exposing white phosoprous to a high pressure. [[Category:Chemical elements]]