How many number of P-O-P bonds present in P₄O₁₀

P-O-P Bonds in P4O10

The molecule P₄O₁₀, also known as phosphorus pentoxide, is a compound made up of four phosphorus (P) atoms and ten oxygen (O) atoms. To find the number of P-O-P bonds in this molecule, we need to analyze its structure.

Concept: The structure of P₄O₁₀ is derived from a tetrahedral arrangement of four phosphorus atoms. Each phosphorus atom is bonded to three oxygen atoms: some are shared between two phosphorus atoms (forming P-O-P bonds), and others are double-bonded or singly bonded to only one phosphorus atom.

The structural arrangement is as follows:

• The four phosphorus atoms form the corners of a tetrahedron.
• Each phosphorus atom is connected to one oxygen atom via a double bond (P=O).
• The remaining oxygen atoms form single bonds, with some acting as bridges between two phosphorus atoms (P-O-P bonds).

Calculation:
In the P₄O₁₀ molecule:

• Each phosphorus atom is bonded to one oxygen atom via a double bond, making a total of 4 P=O bonds.
• The remaining oxygen atoms form single bonds, out of which 6 oxygen atoms act as bridges, connecting two phosphorus atoms. These bridging oxygen atoms result in 6 P-O-P bonds.

Therefore, the number of P-O-P bonds in P₄O₁₀ is 6.

The molecule P₄O₁₀ has a total of:

• 4 P=O bonds
• 6 P-O-P bonds

Hence, the number of P-O-P bonds present in P₄O₁₀ is 6.