Problem 49 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

The number of oxygen atoms bonded to cach phosphorous atom in \(\mathrm{P}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{10}\) is (a) 6 (b) 5 (c) 4 (d) 3

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The number of oxygen atoms bonded to each phosphorus atom in \( \mathrm{P}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{10} \) is 5.

Step 1: Understanding the Molecular Formula

The chemical formula for the compound is given as \( \mathrm{P}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{10} \). It indicates that there are four phosphorus (P) atoms and ten oxygen (O) atoms in the molecule.

Step 2: Identifying the Structure

\( \mathrm{P}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{10} \) is actually a molecular compound with a known structure. It consists of a structure where each phosphorus atom is bonded to certain oxygen atoms.

Step 3: Dividing the Oxygen Atoms

To find the number of oxygen atoms bonded to each phosphorus atom, we take the total number of oxygen atoms (10) and consider how they are distributed among the four phosphorus atoms. This involves understanding the bonding pattern in the compound.

Step 4: Understanding the Bonding in \( \mathrm{P}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{10} \)

In \( \mathrm{P}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{10} \), the phosphorus atoms form a tetrahedral arrangement where each phosphorus atom is bonded to three oxygen atoms directly, and two oxygen atoms are shared with another phosphorus atom as bridging atoms. Therefore, each phosphorus atom is effectively bonded to five oxygen atoms.

Step 5: Conclusion

From the structure, we conclude that each phosphorus atom in \( \mathrm{P}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{10} \) is bonded to five oxygen atoms.

Key Concepts

Phosphorus-oxygen bonds

Phosphorus-oxygen bonds are crucial in understanding the structure of many phosphorus compounds. For the molecule \( \mathrm{P}_4 \mathrm{O}_{10} \), each phosphorus atom is bonded to oxygen atoms in a specific configuration. This compound has a distinctive structural feature where each phosphorus atom forms multiple bonds with oxygen atoms.

• Each phosphorus atom is specifically bonded to three oxygen atoms via regular covalent bonds.
• Two additional oxygen atoms function as bridges, meaning they are shared between two phosphorus atoms. This results in each phosphorus effectively forming bonds with five different oxygen atoms.

Understanding this bonding pattern helps in predicting the chemical properties and reactivity of the molecule.

Tetrahedral arrangement

In chemistry, the tetrahedral arrangement is one of the most common molecular geometries, often seen in compounds with tetrahedral shaped central atoms surrounded by other atoms. The molecule \( \mathrm{P}_4 \mathrm{O}_{10} \) follows this arrangement at the core of its molecular structure.

• The four phosphorus atoms are arranged in a tetrahedral formation, each at the corners of the tetrahedron.
• This arrangement helps in achieving stability and minimizing steric hindrance, a concept where atoms in a molecule occupy certain positions to avoid overlapping with each other while maintaining the integrity of the molecular structure.
• The oxygen atoms fill the spaces between the phosphorus atoms to complete the structure.

Thus, the tetrahedral shape is pivotal in ensuring the proper bonding and structural integrity of \( \mathrm{P}_4 \mathrm{O}_{10} \).

Molecular formula interpretation

Interpreting a molecular formula like \( \mathrm{P}_4 \mathrm{O}_{10} \) involves understanding both the count and the connection of atoms within the molecule. Breaking down this formula:

• \( \mathrm{P}_4 \) indicates that the compound contains four phosphorus atoms.
• \( \mathrm{O}_{10} \) shows there are ten oxygen atoms present in the structure.

The key point in interpreting such formulas is to realize not just the number of each type of atom, but also the way in which these atoms are arranged and bonded together to give the molecule its unique properties.By analyzing \( \mathrm{P}_4 \mathrm{O}_{10} \) this way, we understand the complete makeup of the molecule, which in turn can help predict its chemical behavior, such as reactivity, solubility, and interaction with other chemical species.