Which of the following is correct for `P_(4)` molecule of white phosphorus ?

Options

A. It has 6 lone pairs of electrons
B. lt has six P___P single bonds
C. It has three P____P single bonds
D. It has lone pair of electron

Explanation

To determine the correct statements about the `P₄` molecule of white phosphorus, we can analyze its structure and bonding characteristics step by step.

### Step 1: Understanding the Structure of P₄
The `P₄` molecule consists of four phosphorus atoms arranged in a tetrahedral shape. Each phosphorus atom is bonded to three other phosphorus atoms.

### Step 2: Counting the Bonds
In the `P₄` molecule, each phosphorus atom forms three single bonds with the other phosphorus atoms. Therefore, we can count the total number of P-P bonds:
- Each P atom forms 3 bonds.
- Since there are 4 P atoms, the total number of P-P bonds is 4 (as each bond is counted twice).

### Step 3: Determining Lone Pairs
Each phosphorus atom has 5 valence electrons. In the `P₄` structure:
- Each phosphorus atom uses 3 of its valence electrons to form bonds with other phosphorus atoms.
- This leaves each phosphorus atom with 2 unshared electrons, which are considered lone pairs.

Since there are 4 phosphorus atoms, the total number of lone pairs in the `P₄` molecule is:
- 4 phosphorus atoms × 1 lone pair per atom = 4 lone pairs.

### Step 4: Summary of Findings
Based on the analysis:
- The `P₄` molecule has a total of 4 lone pairs of electrons.
- It has a total of 6 P-P single bonds.

### Conclusion
The correct statements regarding the `P₄` molecule of white phosphorus are:
1. It has 4 lone pairs of electrons.
2. It has 6 P-P single bonds.