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Question: In \[{P_4}\] molecule phosphorus atoms are tetrahedrally arranged. The bond angle \(\angle P - P - P...

In P4{P_4} molecule phosphorus atoms are tetrahedrally arranged. The bond angle PPP\angle P - P - P in the molecule is

Explanation

Solution

White phosphorus, yellow phosphorus or simply tetraphosphorus exists as molecules made up of four atoms in a tetrahedral structure. The tetrahedral arrangement results in ring strain and instability. The molecule is described as consisting of six single PPP - P bonds.

Complete answer:
White phosphorus is a translucent waxy solid that quickly becomes yellow when exposed to light. For this reason it is also called yellow phosphorus. It glows greenish in the dark and is highly flammable and pyrophoric upon contact with air.
Hence, six PPP - P single bonds, four lone pairs of electrons and PPP\angle P - P - P angle of 60o60^o are present
The PPP\angle P - P - P bond angle in a tetrahedral P4{P_4} molecule is 60{60^ \circ }
It is Tetrahedron in shape, there are six bonds in total and a 44 lone pair of electrons are present.
It can form a single bond with other atoms.

Additional information:
It is toxic, causing severe liver damage on ingestion and phossy jaw from chronic ingestion or inhalation. The odour of combustion of this form has a characteristic garlic smell, and samples are commonly coated with white diphosphorus pentoxide, which consists of P4H10{P_4}{H_{10}} tetrahedral with oxygen inserted between the phosphorus atoms and at their vertices. White phosphorus is only slightly soluble in water and can be stored under water.

Note:
White phosphorus is a toxic substance produced from phosphate-containing rocks. White phosphorus is used industrially to manufacture chemicals used in fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning compounds. It has been used in the past as a pesticide and in fireworks.