In a cyclotrimetaphosphoric acid molecule, how many single and double bonds are present ?

Options

A. 3 double bonds, 9 single bonds
B. 6 double bonds, 6 single bonds
C. 3 double bonds , 12 single bonds
D. Zero double bond, 12 single bonds

Explanation

To determine the number of single and double bonds in a cyclotrimetaphosphoric acid molecule, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Draw the Structure of Cyclotrimetaphosphoric Acid
- Cyclotrimetaphosphoric acid has a cyclic structure similar to a benzene ring. It consists of three phosphorus (P) atoms and three oxygen (O) atoms, where each phosphorus is bonded to an oxygen atom through a double bond and also bonded to a hydroxyl (OH) group.

### Step 2: Identify the Bonds
- In the structure, each phosphorus atom is connected to one oxygen atom with a double bond and one hydroxyl group (OH) with a single bond.
- The three phosphorus atoms are connected in a cyclic manner, forming a ring.

### Step 3: Count the Double Bonds
- Each of the three phosphorus atoms forms a double bond with an oxygen atom. Therefore, there are:
- **Number of Double Bonds = 3** (one for each P=O bond)

### Step 4: Count the Single Bonds
- In the cyclic structure, there are:
- **6 Single Bonds** in the ring (between the phosphorus atoms).
- **3 Single Bonds** from each phosphorus to the hydroxyl group (OH).
- **3 Single Bonds** from each phosphorus to the oxygen atom (P-O).

- Therefore, the total number of single bonds can be calculated as:
- Total Single Bonds = 6 (ring) + 3 (P-O) + 3 (OH) = **12 Single Bonds**

### Final Count
- **Total Double Bonds = 3**
- **Total Single Bonds = 12**

### Summary
In a cyclotrimetaphosphoric acid molecule, there are **3 double bonds** and **12 single bonds**.

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