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Question: The number of \({\text{P - O}}\) bonds in \({{\text{P}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}}\) is? A...

The number of P - O{\text{P - O}} bonds in P4O6{{\text{P}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}} is?
A) 9
B) 6
C) 12
D) 18

Explanation

Solution

To answer this question you must recall the oxides of phosphorus and their structures. P4O6{{\text{P}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}} is a dimer of P2O3{{\text{P}}_2}{{\text{O}}_3}.

Complete step by step solution:
P2O3{{\text{P}}_2}{{\text{O}}_3}/ P4O6{{\text{P}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}} (phosphorus trioxide) is also known as phosphorous oxide or phosphorous anhydride because it is the anhydride of orthophosphoric acid. It is a soft white solid.
We know that since it is anhydride of an acid it will be acidic itself also and hydrolysis in water to form phosphorous acid. Phosphorus trioxide exists as a dimer and is written as P4O6{{\text{P}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}}.
The structure of phosphorus trioxide dimer is,

From the structure, we can clearly see that each phosphorus atom is bonded to three oxygen atoms in a cyclic structure.
Thus, there are 12 P - O{\text{P - O}} bonds in P4O6{{\text{P}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}}.

The correct option is C.

Note:
Phosphorus forms two common oxides one of which is phosphorus trioxide.
The other common oxide of phosphorus is phosphorus pentoxide.
Phosphorus pentoxide has a molecular formula P4O10{{\text{P}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{O}}_{{\text{10}}}} and its common name is derived from its empirical formula,P2O5{{\text{P}}_{\text{2}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{5}}}. It is a white crystalline solid. It is the anhydride of ortho phosphoric acid. It is a very powerful and useful desiccant and dehydrating agent.
Phosphorus pentoxide majorly crystallizes in four forms which are also known as polymorphs. The most common one is a metastable form, comprises molecules of P4O10{{\text{P}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{O}}_{{\text{10}}}}. These molecules are held together in a hexagonal lattice. This form can be prepared by condensing the vapour of phosphorus pentoxide rapidly, resulting in the formation of an extremely hygroscopic solid.
Phosphorous pentoxide is widely used as a dehydrating agent. On exposure to hydrolysis it forms phosphoric acid and releases heat.