The reaction of P4 with X leads selectively to P4O6, the X is [IIT JEE 2009]

JEE Advanced Chemistry question

The reaction of P4 with leads selectively to P4O6, the is [IIT JEE 2009]

(A)dry O2
(B)a mixture of O2 and N2Correct
(C)moist O2
(D)O2 in the presence of aqueous NaOH

Answer: (B)

Solution

White phosphorus must be oxidised with a *limited/controlled* supply of oxygen to stop at the lower oxide P4O6 rather than going all the way to P4O10. Pure dry O2 (a) supplies oxygen too freely and over-oxidises P4 straight to P4O10. Diluting O2 with N2, i.e. ordinary air (b), slows and

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Question ID VK-159264