Question

Explain giving a reason for each of the following situation:
(i) In aqueous medium, HCl is a stronger acid than HF.
(ii) White phosphorus is more reactive than red phosphorous.

Answer 1

(i) Because bond dissociation enthalpy of H—Cl is lower than H—F.
(ii) White phosphorus is more reactive than red phosphorus due to its discrete tetrahedral structure and angular strain. Red phosphorus is less reactive due its polymeric structure.