<P> Elemental phosphorus can exist in several allotropes, the most common of which are white and red solids . Solid violet and black allotropes are also known . Gaseous phosphorus exists as diphosphorus and atomic phosphorus . </P> <P> White phosphorus, yellow phosphorus or simply tetraphosphorus (P) exists as molecules made up of four atoms in a tetrahedral structure . The tetrahedral arrangement results in ring strain and instability . The molecule is described as consisting of six single P--P bonds . Two different crystalline forms are known . The α form is defined as the standard state of the element, but is actually metastable under standard conditions . It has a body - centered cubic crystal structure, and transforms reversibly into the β form at 195.2 K . The β form is believed to have a hexagonal crystal structure . </P>

What is the difference between white phosphorus and red phosphorus