A nonmetallic element belonging to group 15 (formerly VB) of the periodic table; a.n. 15; r.a.m. 30.9738; r.d. 1.82 (white), 2.34 (red); m.p. 44.1°C (α-white); b.p. 280°C (α-white). It occurs in various phosphate rocks, from which it is extracted by heating with carbon (coke) and silicon(IV) oxide in an electric furnace (1500°C). Calcium silicate and carbon monoxide are also produced. Phosphorus has a number of allotropic forms. The α-white form consists of P4 tetrahedra (there is also a β-white form stable below –77°C). If α-white phosphorus is dissolved in lead and heated at 500°C a violet form is obtained. Red phosphorus, which is a combination of violet and white phosphorus, is obtained by heating α-white phosphorus at 250°C with air excluded. There is also a black allotrope, which has a graphite-like structure, made by heating white phosphorus at 300°C with a mercury catalyst. The element is highly reactive. It forms metal phosphides and covalently bonded phosphorus(III) and phosphorus(V) compounds. Phosphorus is an essential element for living organisms. It is an important constituent of tissues (especially bones and teeth) and of cells, being required for the formation of nucleic acids and energy-carrying molecules (e.g. ATP) and also involved in various metabolic reactions. The element was discovered by Hennig Brand (c. 1630–92) in 1669.
https://www.webelements.com/phosphorus/ Information from the WebElements site