`P_(4)O_(10)` is the anhydride of

Options

A. `H_(3)PO_(2)`
B. `H_(3)PO_(3)`
C. `H_(3)PO_(4)`
D. `H_(4)P_(2)O_(7)`

Explanation

To determine the anhydride of \( P_4O_{10} \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Concept of Anhydrides
An anhydride is a compound that can be formed by the removal of water from an acid. In this case, we need to find out which acid corresponds to \( P_4O_{10} \).

**Hint:** Recall that anhydrides are often derived from acids by the removal of water.

### Step 2: Analyze \( P_4O_{10} \)
The molecular formula \( P_4O_{10} \) suggests that it is a phosphorus oxide. When this oxide reacts with water, it typically forms an acid.

**Hint:** Think about the reaction of oxides with water and what type of acid they produce.

### Step 3: Hydrolysis of \( P_4O_{10} \)
When \( P_4O_{10} \) is hydrolyzed (reacted with water), it produces phosphoric acid (\( H_3PO_4 \)). The reaction can be represented as follows:

\[ P_4O_{10} + 6H_2O \rightarrow 4H_3PO_4 \]

**Hint:** Consider what happens when you add water to an oxide; it often results in the formation of an acid.

### Step 4: Identify the Acid
From the hydrolysis reaction, we can see that \( P_4O_{10} \) yields \( H_3PO_4 \) (phosphoric acid). Therefore, \( P_4O_{10} \) is indeed the anhydride of phosphoric acid.

**Hint:** Confirm that the product of the hydrolysis is indeed the acid you are looking for.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, we conclude that \( P_4O_{10} \) is the anhydride of \( H_3PO_4 \) (phosphoric acid).

**Final Answer:** \( P_4O_{10} \) is the anhydride of phosphoric acid (\( H_3PO_4 \)).

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