Number of sigma bonds in `P_4O_10` is

Options

A. 6
B. 7
C. 17
D. 16

Explanation

To determine the number of sigma bonds in the molecule \( P_4O_{10} \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of \( P_4O_{10} \)
- \( P_4O_{10} \) consists of 4 phosphorus (P) atoms and 10 oxygen (O) atoms.
- The structure can be visualized as a central phosphorus atom bonded to oxygen atoms, with some double bonds present.

### Step 2: Draw the Lewis Structure
- Start by arranging the phosphorus atoms in a way that allows for the formation of bonds with oxygen.
- Each phosphorus atom can form bonds with oxygen atoms, typically resulting in a tetrahedral geometry around each phosphorus.

### Step 3: Identify the Types of Bonds
- In \( P_4O_{10} \), each phosphorus atom is bonded to oxygen atoms through both single and double bonds.
- Each single bond is a sigma bond, and each double bond consists of one sigma bond and one pi bond.

### Step 4: Count the Sigma Bonds
- For \( P_4O_{10} \):
- Each phosphorus atom forms 4 bonds (3 double bonds with oxygen and 1 single bond with another oxygen).
- The total number of bonds can be calculated as follows:
- 4 phosphorus atoms each forming 4 bonds = \( 4 \times 4 = 16 \) bonds.

### Step 5: Conclusion
- The total number of sigma bonds in \( P_4O_{10} \) is 16.

### Final Answer
The number of sigma bonds in \( P_4O_{10} \) is **16**.

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