Difference Between Alpha and Beta Black Phosphorus

The key difference between alpha and beta black phosphorous is that alpha black phosphorous is more stable than beta black phosphorous.

Black phosphorus is an allotrope of phosphorus. It is the thermodynamically most stable allotrope of phosphorous at room temperature. Moreover, it occurs in two forms as alpha form and beta form.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Alpha Black Phosphorus
3. What is Beta Black Phosphorus
4. Side by Side Comparison – Alpha vs Beta Black Phosphorus in Tabular Form
5. Summary

What is Alpha Black Phosphorous?

Alpha black phosphorous is an allotrope of black phosphorous, and it is the most stable allotrope. This material forms when we heat red phosphorous at 803K.

Figure 01: Black Phosphorus

Moreover, alpha black phosphorous doesn’t conduct electricity. This material is opaque. The crystal system is either monoclinic or rhombohedral.

What is Beta Black Phosphorous?

Beta black phosphorous is an allotrope of black phosphorous, and it is less stable than alpha allotrope. This material forms when we heat white phosphorous at 473K. When considering the structure of this compound, it consists of corrugated sheets of phosphorous that form a layered structure. Moreover, beta black phosphorous can conduct electricity.

What is the Difference Between Alpha and Beta Black Phosphorus?

Alpha black phosphorous is an allotrope of black phosphorous, and it is the most stable allotrope. Beta black phosphorous, on the other hand, is an allotrope of black phosphorous and it is less stable than alpha allotrope.  Hence, the key difference between alpha and beta black phosphorous is that alpha black phosphorous is more stable than beta black phosphorous. Furthermore, alpha black phosphorous forms when we heat red phosphorous at 803K while beta black phosphorous forms when we heat white phosphorous at 473K. Another difference between alpha and beta black phosphorous is their electrical conductivity; alpha black phosphorous cannot conduct electricity while beta form conducts electricity.

Summary – Alpha vs Beta Black Phosphorus

Alpha black phosphorous is the most stable allotrope of black phosphorous while beta black phosphorous is a less stable allotrope of black phosphorous.  Hence, the key difference between alpha and beta black phosphorous is that alpha black phosphorous is more stable than beta black phosphorous.

Reference:

“Allotropes of Phosphorus: Definition of Allotropy, Structures, Uses, Videos.” Toppr, 29 Mar. 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Black Phosphorus Ampoule” By Alshaer666 – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

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