Problem 36 - 43 Years JEE ADVANCED (1978-2020) + JEE MAIN Chapterwise & Topicwise Solved Papers Chemistry

Question

In \(\mathrm{P}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{10}\) each \(\mathrm{P}\) atom is linked with \(\ldots \ldots \ldots . \mathrm{O}\) atoms \([1995 \mathrm{~S}]\) (a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(c) 4

Step 1: Understanding the Molecular Formula

The molecular formula given is \( \mathrm{P}_4 \mathrm{O}_{10} \), which is a compound consisting of phosphorus (\( \mathrm{P} \)) and oxygen (\( \mathrm{O} \)) atoms. It is important to understand how the atoms are bonded within this structure.

Step 2: Analyzing the Structure of \( \mathrm{P}_4 \mathrm{O}_{10} \)

\( \mathrm{P}_4 \mathrm{O}_{10} \) is also known as phosphorus pentoxide, which consists of a network of atoms. The compound is essentially comprised of four \( \mathrm{P} \) atoms forming a tetrahedron with each \( \mathrm{P} \) atom being covalently bonded to oxygen atoms.

Step 3: Calculating Oxygen Atoms per Phosphorus Atom

There are four phosphorus atoms and ten oxygen atoms in \( \mathrm{P}_4 \mathrm{O}_{10} \). To determine the number of oxygen atoms connected to each phosphorus atom, we analyze the distribution: each phosphorus atom is bonded to four oxygen atoms. This can be visualized as each phosphorus atom forming two \( \mathrm{P-O-P} \) bridges and two terminal \( \mathrm{P=O} \) (double bond) linkages.

Step 4: Assigning the Correct Answer Choice

Based on the analysis in the previous steps, each \( \mathrm{P} \) atom in \( \mathrm{P}_4 \mathrm{O}_{10} \) is linked to a total of four oxygen atoms. The correct answer choice is (c) 4.

Key Concepts

Molecular Structure

Understanding the molecular structure of a compound like phosphorus pentoxide is fundamental in inorganic chemistry. The molecular formula, given as \( \mathrm{P}_4 \mathrm{O}_{10} \), indicates the number of each type of atom present in the molecule. This suggests that there are four phosphorus atoms and ten oxygen atoms.The structure can be visualized with the phosphorus atoms forming a tetrahedron, where each vertex represents a phosphorus atom. In this geometrical arrangement, each phosphorus atom is bonded to others through shared oxygen atoms, creating a complex three-dimensional network.
Such structures help predict the physical and chemical properties of the compound, such as its reactivity and solubility. Therefore, understanding the molecular structure is crucial for predicting the behavior of phosphorus pentoxide in various chemical reactions.

Phosphorus Pentoxide

Phosphorus pentoxide is a critical compound, often used as a desiccant owing to its strong affinity for water. It is formed from the molecular formula \( \mathrm{P}_4 \mathrm{O}_{10} \), but it's more commonly referred to by its empirical formula \( \mathrm{P}_2 \mathrm{O}_5 \).This compound is an anhydride of phosphoric acid and reacts vigorously to form phosphoric acid when combined with water, making it valuable in both laboratory and industrial applications.
Its structure reveals why it is so reactive: the close network of phosphorus and oxygen atoms is eager to bond with additional elements, such as hydrogen in water..

• Used in organic synthesis as a dehydrating agent.
• Important for understanding phosphorus chemistry.
• Vital in the production of certain phosphorus compounds.

Comprehending its structure and uses is essential for students navigating the broader field of inorganic chemistry.

Covalent Bonding

Covalent bonding is essential for forming stable molecules, especially in inorganic compounds like phosphorus pentoxide. In the molecule \( \mathrm{P}_4 \mathrm{O}_{10} \), each phosphorus atom is covalently bonded with four oxygen atoms, forming a complex network of single and double bonds.There are two types of covalent bonds in this structure: single bonds, forming \( \mathrm{P-O-P} \) bridges linking the phosphorus atoms, and double bonds \((\mathrm{P}=\mathrm{O})\) with terminal oxygen atoms.
This combination of bonds creates a stable yet reactive compound, influencing its physical and chemical properties.Understanding covalent bonding within phosphorus pentoxide is crucial as it explains the compound's strength and reactivity.
This knowledge is applicable across many areas of chemistry, from predicting molecular interactions to synthesizing new chemical compounds.