Question

In ${\mathrm{P}}_4$ molecule phosphorus atoms are tetrahedrally arranged. The bond angle $\angle \mathrm{P}-\mathrm{P}-\mathrm{P}$ in the molecule is

Answer 1

Phosphorus:

• White Phosphorus is a translucent waxy solid that becomes yellow when exposed to light, so it is also known as yellow Phosphorus.
• Phosphorus exists as ${\mathrm{P}}_4$ molecule and is made up of four atoms in a tetrahedral structure and this tetrahedral arrangement results in ring strain and instability.
• Atoms in ${\mathrm{P}}_4$ molecule of white phosphorus are arranged at the corners of a tetrahedron in such a way that each atom is single-bonded to the other three atoms.

• The ${\mathrm{P}}_4$ molecule contains six $\mathrm{P}-\mathrm{P}$ sigma bonds and four lone pairs of electrons.
• The $\angle \mathrm{P}-\mathrm{P}-\mathrm{P}$ bond angle in a tetrahedral ${\mathrm{P}}_4$ molecule is $\mathbf{60}\mathbf{°}$.