The phosphorus used in the manufacture of safety matches is

Red phosphorus

Black phosphorus

White phosphorus

Scarlet phosphorus

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-1 – 2016

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Safety matches utilize red phosphorus. Red phosphorus is a less reactive allotrope of phosphorus compared to white phosphorus. The striking surface of a safety matchbox contains red phosphorus, powdered glass, and a binder. The match head contains oxidizing agents (like potassium chlorate), fuel (like sulfur or antimony trisulfide), and a binder. When the match head is struck against the striking surface, the friction generates heat and converts a tiny amount of red phosphorus to white phosphorus, which ignites spontaneously in the presence of the oxidizing agent on the match head. This then ignites the fuel in the match head, starting the flame.

Red phosphorus is used in safety matches due to its relatively low reactivity and non-toxicity compared to white phosphorus.

White phosphorus is highly toxic and pyrophoric (ignites spontaneously in air), which led to its ban in matches in many countries. Black phosphorus and scarlet phosphorus are other allotropes of phosphorus, but red phosphorus is the one commonly used in safety matches.

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