Question

Why is phosphorus written as ${\mathrm{P}}_4$?

Answer 1

Phosphorus

• Phosphorus is a chemical element with atomic number $15$ and its atomic symbol is $\mathrm{P}$.
• White phosphorus and red phosphorus are the two primary forms of elemental phosphorus.

Phosphorus written as ${\mathbf{P}}_{\mathbf{4}}$

• Phosphorus is unable to form pi bonds due to its large atomic size.
• It is tetratomic, with each p atom joined by a sigma bond to the other three $\mathrm{P}$ atoms.
• It can form a tetra-atomic ${\mathrm{P}}_4$ molecule to complete its octet by sharing valency electrons with three additional Phosphorus atoms.