Question

What is the number of sigma bond in ${\mathrm{P}}_4{\mathrm{O}}_{10}$?

Answer 1

Oxides of phosphorous:

• The two common oxides of phosphorus are Phosphorus(III) oxide $\left({\mathrm{P}}_4{\mathrm{O}}_6\right)$ and Phosphorus (V) oxide $\left({\mathrm{P}}_4{\mathrm{O}}_{10}\right)$.

Structure of ${\mathrm{P}}_4{\mathrm{O}}_{10}$:

• A single bond consists of one sigma bond and a double bond consist of one sigma and one pi bond.
• Phosphorus (V) oxide $\left({\mathrm{P}}_4{\mathrm{O}}_{10}\right)$ is a white solid that sublime from solid to vapor phase at ${300}^{\mathrm{o}}\mathrm{C}$.

• Hence, in the structure, there are $16$ sigma bonds.