White phosphorous has which of the following structure?

Options

A. Polymeric
B. Square planar
C. Crown Shape
D. Tetrahedral

Answer

To determine the structure of white phosphorus, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the molecular formula of white phosphorus.
White phosphorus is represented by the molecular formula P₄.

**Hint:** Remember that white phosphorus consists of four phosphorus atoms.

### Step 2: Determine the valence electrons of phosphorus.
Phosphorus is in Group 15 of the periodic table, which means it has 5 valence electrons.

**Hint:** Group number can help you find the number of valence electrons for main group elements.

### Step 3: Analyze the bonding in P₄.
In the P₄ molecule, each phosphorus atom forms three covalent bonds with other phosphorus atoms. This leaves one lone pair of electrons on each phosphorus atom.

**Hint:** Consider how many bonds each atom can form based on its valence electrons.

### Step 4: Determine the hybridization of phosphorus in P₄.
Since each phosphorus atom forms three bonds and has one lone pair, the hybridization can be determined as follows:
- 3 bond pairs + 1 lone pair = 4 regions of electron density.
- This corresponds to sp³ hybridization.

**Hint:** Count the total number of bond pairs and lone pairs to find the hybridization.

### Step 5: Identify the geometry and shape of the P₄ molecule.
With sp³ hybridization, the geometry around each phosphorus atom is tetrahedral. However, due to the presence of lone pairs, the actual shape of the molecule is pyramidal.

**Hint:** Remember that the presence of lone pairs can affect the overall shape of the molecule.

### Step 6: Conclusion.
The structure of white phosphorus (P₄) is tetrahedral in geometry, with a pyramidal shape due to the lone pairs on the phosphorus atoms.

**Final Answer:** The structure of white phosphorus is tetrahedral with a pyramidal shape.