In `P_(4) O_(10)` the number co-ordinate bonds is

Options

A. 1
B. 8
C. 3
D. 4

Answer

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

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of \( P_4O_{10} \)
- The chemical formula \( P_4O_{10} \) represents phosphorus pentoxide.
- In this compound, phosphorus (P) and oxygen (O) atoms are arranged in a specific structure.

### Step 2: Draw the Lewis Structure
- The structure of \( P_4O_{10} \) can be visualized as having a central phosphorus atom bonded to oxygen atoms.
- Each phosphorus atom forms double bonds with oxygen atoms.

### Step 3: Identify the Types of Bonds
- In \( P_4O_{10} \), phosphorus can form both covalent bonds and coordinate bonds.
- A coordinate bond (also known as a dative bond) occurs when one atom provides both electrons for the bond.

### Step 4: Analyze the Bonding
- Phosphorus has vacant d-orbitals that can overlap with the p-orbitals of oxygen.
- Each terminal oxygen atom forms a coordinate bond with phosphorus by donating a pair of electrons to the phosphorus atom.

### Step 5: Count the Coordinate Bonds
- In the structure of \( P_4O_{10} \), there are four terminal oxygen atoms.
- Each of these terminal oxygen atoms forms a coordinate bond with one phosphorus atom.

### Conclusion
- Therefore, the total number of coordinate bonds in \( P_4O_{10} \) is **4**.

### Final Answer
The number of coordinate bonds in \( P_4O_{10} \) is **4**.

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