Red phosphorus is far less reactive than the white allotrope. On the other hand, it is easier to handle and not as toxic as white phosphorus. In the Lewis-acidic ionic liquid (IL) [BMIm]Cl ·2AlCl3 ([BMIm] = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium), red phosphorus and elemental iodine form several iodides at moderate temperature. 31P liquid- and solid-state NMR spectroscopy was used to rationalize the reaction at various temperatures and ratios of the starting materials. Monitoring of the reaction revealed nanoscale red-phosphorus particles. In addition to this top-down formation, phosphorus nanoparticles were also obtained in a bottom-up synthesis by dissociation of P2I4 in the IL. Depending on the ratio of red phosphorus and iodine, as well as the reaction temperature, P2I4, PI3, or P2I5+ dominate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]