hosphorous forms bonds and creates molecules based on its ionic charge. What element can it react with to form a stable molecule?

Phosphorous reacts with Lithium to form LiP

Phosphorous is stable and will not react with other elements.

Phosphorous can react with Gallium to form a stable compound.

Phosphorous reacts with Bromine to form PBr2

1 answer

Phosphorus can indeed form stable compounds with various elements. Let's briefly evaluate the options you provided:

  1. Phosphorus reacts with Lithium to form LiP: This is plausible, but lithium phosphate (Li3PO4) is a more common stable compound in which phosphorus is involved, rather than a simple binary compound.

  2. Phosphorus is stable and will not react with other elements: This statement is false. Phosphorus is quite reactive and can form compounds with many elements.

  3. Phosphorus can react with Gallium to form a stable compound: While phosphorus can react with gallium, this is less commonly noted compared to its reactions with other elements. Gallium phosphide (GaP) is an example, but it is more specialized.

  4. Phosphorus reacts with Bromine to form PBr2: This is accurate. Phosphorus can react with bromine to form phosphorus dibromide (PBr2), which is a stable compound.

Overall, the fourth option is a clear example of a stable molecule formed with phosphorus. Other common stable compounds involving phosphorus include phosphates (with various metals) and various phosphorus halides.