Question

Select the correct statement for $P_4{O}_{10}$:

• A. It has four $s{p}^3$ - hybridized phosphorus atoms
• B. It has higher %s - character in P-O bond than in $P_4{O}_6$
• C. It has a cage - like structure
• D. It has $p\pi -d\pi$ bonding.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C), (D)

The correct options are
A It has four $s{p}^3$ - hybridized phosphorus atoms
B It has higher %s - character in P-O bond than in $P_4{O}_6$
C It has a cage - like structure
D It has $p\pi -d\pi$ bonding.

Let us look at the shapes of the $P_4{O}_6$ (exists as a dimer of $P_2{O}_3$ under normal conditions)

As you can see, in both the structures there are exactly six P-O-P bonds
Although they look similar, the O-P bond length (for the P-O-P linkage) is slightly smaller in the pentoxide as compared to the trioxide.
Also, the oxygen in P-O double bond is $s{p}^2$ - meaning there is more %s character than in the bridging $s{p}^3$ hybridized P-O-P oxygen.