Where is phosphorus stored and why?
Dear student
Phosphorous exist as P4 which is a very strained molecule and thus it is very reactive also. It reacts with oxygen present in air and may ignite. Hence, it is kept in water to avoid its contact with air. However, phosphorus is insoluble in water. When kept under water, it is easy to carry and prevents it from directly reacting with Oxygen in the air. However it is not kept in kerosene , oil , benzene etc because it is soluble in these solvents. Therefore can not be stored.
Hope it is clear
Regards
Phosphorous exist as P4 which is a very strained molecule and thus it is very reactive also. It reacts with oxygen present in air and may ignite. Hence, it is kept in water to avoid its contact with air. However, phosphorus is insoluble in water. When kept under water, it is easy to carry and prevents it from directly reacting with Oxygen in the air. However it is not kept in kerosene , oil , benzene etc because it is soluble in these solvents. Therefore can not be stored.
Hope it is clear
Regards