A12 White Phosphorus Reacts with Oxygen under Water

Description
White phosphorus drops into hot water and melts. Oxygen bubbles into the viscous liquid white phosphorous and spews out bubbles of light produced by the violent reaction.

Equation
P₄(white) + 5 O₂--> P₄O₁₀

Reference
B. Z. Shakhashiri, "Chemical Demonstrations", Vol. 1, The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison ,Wisconsin, (1983) p.75.