Which of the following statements concerning phosphorus is false? A)At room temperature,white phosphorus is a molecular solid,while red phosphorus is a polymeric form of phosphorus.. B)The molecular formula of white phosphorus is P₄. C)Phosphorus is commonly found in phosphate minerals such as fluorapatite. D)Because phosphorus may use 3d orbitals for bonding,it can form the +7 oxidation state. E)White phosphorus spontaneously combusts when exposed to air.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phosphorus cannot use 3d orbitals for bonding to form a +7 oxidation state because it lacks d orbitals in its valence shell. The highest oxidation state phosphorus can achieve is +5, as seen in compounds like phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4).

Which of the Following Statements Concerning Phosphorus Is False