Post 474484
(WizardX: "Phosphorus", Stimulants)http://www.luminet.net/~wenonah/hydro/p.htm
Red phosphorus: Red to violet powder; polymorphism: Roth, DeWitt, Smith, J. Am. Chem. Sec. 69, 2881 (1947). Its properties are intermediate between those of the white and black forms. Sublimes at 416°, triple point 589.5° under 43.1 atm. d. 2.34. Insoluble in orgamc solvents. Soluble in phosphorus tribromide. Less active than the white form; reacts only at high temperatures. Yields the white modification when distilled at 290°. Catches fire when heated in air to about 260° and burns with formation of the pentoxide. Burns when heated in an atmosphere of chlorine.
White phosphorus: Colorless or yellowish, transparent, crystalline solid; darkens on exposure to light; m. 44.1° (vapor press. 0.181 mm.); b. 280° d. 1.83; volatile; sublimes in vacuo. at ordinary temperature when exposed to light. When exposed to air in the dark, emits a greenish light and gives off white fumes. Almost insoluble in water (one part in 300,000 parts of water); very slightly soluble in abs. alcohol (1 g./ 400 ml.); slightly sol. in abs. ether (1 g./ 102 ml.); soluble in chloroform (1 g./ 40 ml.); soluble in benzene (1 g./ 35 ml.); very soluble in carbon disulfide (1 g./ O.8 ml.). Solubility in oils: one gram phosphorus dissolves in 80 ml. olive oil, 60 ml. oil of turpentine, about 100 ml. almond oil.
Ignites at about 30° in moist air; the ignition temperature is higher when the air is dry.
