The number of `P-O-P` bonds in cyclotrimetaphosphoric acid, `(HPO_(3))_(3)` is

Options

A. Four
B. Three
C. Two
D. One

Explanation

To determine the number of P-O-P bonds in cyclotrimetaphosphoric acid, \( (HPO_3)_3 \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure
Cyclotrimetaphosphoric acid consists of three phosphorus (P) atoms, and each phosphorus atom is bonded to oxygen (O) atoms. The formula \( (HPO_3)_3 \) indicates that there are three repeating units of HPO3.

**Hint:** Visualize the structure of the compound to understand how the atoms are connected.

### Step 2: Draw the Molecular Structure
Each phosphorus atom in cyclotrimetaphosphoric acid is connected to:
- One double bond with an oxygen atom (P=O)
- One hydroxyl group (P-OH)
- Two single bonds with oxygen atoms that connect to other phosphorus atoms (P-O-P)

When you draw the structure, you will notice that the three phosphorus atoms are interconnected through oxygen atoms.

**Hint:** Sketch the structure to see how the phosphorus atoms are linked through oxygen.

### Step 3: Count the P-O-P Bonds
In the structure:
- There are three phosphorus atoms.
- Each phosphorus atom is connected to two other phosphorus atoms through oxygen atoms.

Thus, the P-O-P bonds can be counted as follows:
1. The first phosphorus is connected to the second phosphorus.
2. The second phosphorus is connected to the third phosphorus.
3. The third phosphorus is connected back to the first phosphorus.

This gives us a total of three P-O-P bonds.

**Hint:** Count the connections between the phosphorus atoms carefully to ensure you include all P-O-P bonds.

### Step 4: Conclusion
After analyzing the structure and counting the P-O-P bonds, we find that there are **3 P-O-P bonds** in cyclotrimetaphosphoric acid.

**Final Answer:** The number of P-O-P bonds in cyclotrimetaphosphoric acid, \( (HPO_3)_3 \), is **3**.