Crystal structures of violet phosphorus and red phosphorus

In summary, there are two different crystal structures given for violet phosphorus on two different websites. The first website, Openstax CNX, shows a double bond between two phosphorus atoms in Figure 12, while the second website, Chemwiki, shows a dangling bond in the phosphorus atom in Figure 3. It is unclear which structure is correct. For red phosphorus, Wikipedia does not provide a clear figure for its crystal structure. However, if violet phosphorus does have a crystal structure, it must be periodic in all three directions. The purple allotrope of phosphorus appears to have a monoclinic structure with 84 atoms in the unit cell. The images shown seem to be of the same structure, but
  • #1
Douasing
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For violet phophorus,it seems that the crystal structures given by two websites are not the same.In Openstax CNX,the link is http://cnx.org/contents/f46e8679-ee00-4073-9f5e-a87ca9955a9e@25.9:67/Chemistry_of_the_Main_Group_El
and the Figure 12 displays it as follows:
graphics14.jpg

But in Chemwiki,the link is http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/Inorgan..._The_Nitrogen_Family/Chemistry_of_Phosphorous
and the Figure 3 displays it as follows:

800px-Violet-phosphorus-chain-from-xtal-3D-balls.png

Which is right for these two forms of structure ?
There is a double bond between two phosphorus in the first figure,is the structure reseanable?
There is a dangling bond in the phosphorus in the second one, is the structure stable ?
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For red phosphorus, the Wikipedia does not show a clear figure,for example
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allotropes_of_phosphorus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphorus#cite_note-berger-8
who can supply a clear figure of the crystal structure?
 
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  • #2
If violet Phosphorus really forms a crystal structure, then it has (by definition) to be periodic in all 3 directions.

For the purple allotrope the structure appears to be monoclinic with 84 (!) atoms in the unit cell, so the unit
cell will be huge and have an odd shape.

The images you show seem to be the same structure, just truncated differently.

This is a relatively recent article that give more details:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.196610473/abstract
 

FAQ: Crystal structures of violet phosphorus and red phosphorus

1. What is the difference between violet phosphorus and red phosphorus?

Violet phosphorus and red phosphorus are both allotropes of phosphorus, meaning they have the same chemical formula but different crystal structures. Violet phosphorus has a monoclinic crystal structure while red phosphorus has a hexagonal crystal structure. They also have different physical properties, such as color and reactivity.

2. How are the crystal structures of violet phosphorus and red phosphorus determined?

The crystal structures of violet phosphorus and red phosphorus are determined through methods such as X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. These techniques allow scientists to analyze the atomic arrangement and bonding within the crystal lattice of the phosphorus samples.

3. What are the potential applications of violet phosphorus and red phosphorus?

Violet phosphorus and red phosphorus have potential applications in semiconductors, batteries, and as catalysts. Their unique crystal structures and properties make them useful in various technological and industrial processes.

4. Can violet phosphorus and red phosphorus be converted into each other?

Yes, it is possible to convert violet phosphorus into red phosphorus and vice versa. This process involves heating or exposing one allotrope to certain chemicals, resulting in a phase change and transformation into the other allotrope.

5. Are there any safety concerns when working with violet phosphorus and red phosphorus?

Violet phosphorus and red phosphorus are both highly reactive and can be flammable under certain conditions. It is important to handle them with caution and follow proper safety protocols, such as wearing protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area.

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