Description:
Phosphorus, in its common form, is a waxy white (or yellowish) solid that has a characteristic disagreeable smell similar to that of garlic. Pure forms of the element are colourless and transparent. This nonmetal is not soluble in water, but is soluble in carbon disulfide. The white allotrope ignites spontaneously in air; however, both white and red phosphorus burn in air to produce phosphorus pentoxide.