[dolphinsiu]

Why phosphorus is more reactive than sulphur?
Is it explained in terms of electronegativity or structure or bond strength or bond angle
But how is the best explaination

[Will]

There may be many reasons that I've missed but I think Phosphorus is more reactive because it exists as molecules of P₄ (shape of a trigonal pyramid), in which there is a considerable amount of bond strain, making the bonds easy to break and therefore it will be more reactive. This applies for white phosphorus; red phosphorus is basically a polymer of white phosphorus and the bonds are under less strain making it less reactive.

Sulfur, however, normally exists as a ring of sulfur atoms of 8, although rings of 7 etc. exist. There is much less bond strain in this and it is considerably stable.

I think the main reasons for the difference for this are structure, bond length and bond angle.  

[Mitch]

More reactive with what?

[Will]

I think dolphinsiu means reactive in the general sense. I know that there are some reactions that sulfur can do that phosphorus can not like the reaction with hydrogen- but even in this case sulfur has to be boiling for the reaction!

Things like the reactions with metals, oxygen, halogens and alkali can happen much more readliy and with less activation energy with phosphorus than with sulfur.

Hope this answers your question !

[dolphinsiu]

Thank you! will17