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Question

We write oxygen as O2 because but why not we write phosphorus as P3 while we write it as P4?


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Solution

Oxygen existence as O2:

  • The atomic size of oxygen is very small.
  • Oxygen can form πp-πp bonds because its atomic orbitals are small and significant merging is possible.
  • Two covalent bonds can join two oxygen atoms together.
  • Hence O2 is formed
  • Why does oxygen have two oxygen atoms? - Quora

Phosphorus existence as P4 not P3:

  • P has a high atomic size and a low proclivity to form triple bonds.
  • Phosphorus cannot form πp-πp bonds because its atomic orbitals are so vast that significant merging is impossible.
  • Hence no P3 is formed
  • A sigma bond connects the P atom with three other P atoms to produce the tetra-atomic moleculeP4.

Draw the Lewis structure for P4 and state its molecular geometry. Is it  polar or nonpolar? | Study.com


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