Explain some important characteristics of white and yellow phosphorus.

Explanation

Nitrogen atom having a small atomic size, have more electron density and thus the lone pair of electrons is more available for sharing with a proton. On moving down the group, the electron density goes on decreasing due to increase in atomic size and thus the lone pair of electron is less available for sharing with a proton. Thus, ammonia is distinctly basic, phosphene is weakly basic, while other hydrides of this group do not show any basic character.