There are several forms of solid phosphorus but only red and white forms are important. The white phosphorus consists of discrete tetrahedral `P_(4)` molecules. The structure of red phosphorus has not yet been completely determinated but there are evidences that it is polymeric and consists of chains of `P_(4)` tetrahdedral linked together. at room temperature , stable modification of elements phosphorus is red form. because of its highly polymerised structure, it is less volatile and less reactive than white phosphorus. in most of its compounds, phosphorus can have a valency of 3 or 5. phosphorus acid is peculiar because although it contains three hydrogen atoms per molecule, only two dissociation.
It is easier to handle red phosphorus than white phosphorus in air at room temperature because
A. it does not melt
B. it has polymeric structure
C. a protective coating of an oxide is formed on the surface
D. it slowly reacts with atmospheric moisture to form phosphoric acid