Structure of white phosphorus: Single crystal X-Ray examination

Abstract

SEVERAL attempts to obtain X-ray diffraction patterns of crystalline white phosphorus have been made1. It is claimed by some that the ready reversion of the white to the red form under irradiation with X-rays prevents any pattern being obtained, while others suggest that the high degree of thermal motion in the crystal lattice will render it impossible to obtain anything but a few very diffuse rings. Natta and Passerini2, however, state that they obtained a well-defined powder photograph of white phosphorus with 22 lines, using iron Kα radiation at - 35°C. They claim that the substance is cubic with [a] Combining double low line 7.17 A., containing four molecules of P4 per unit cell, but give no other data. © 1952 Nature Publishing Group.