How many `P-O-P` bonds are present in `P_4 O_8` ?

Explanation

To determine the number of P-O-P bonds in the compound \( P_4O_8 \) (tetraphosphorus octoxide), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of \( P_4O_8 \)
The first step is to recognize that \( P_4O_8 \) consists of phosphorus (P) and oxygen (O) atoms. The molecular formula indicates that there are four phosphorus atoms and eight oxygen atoms.

### Step 2: Draw the Lewis Structure
Next, we need to draw the Lewis structure of \( P_4O_8 \). In this structure:
- Each phosphorus atom is connected to two oxygen atoms.
- The phosphorus atoms are also connected to each other through single bonds.

### Step 3: Identify P-O-P Bonds
In the structure, we look for P-O-P linkages. A P-O-P bond occurs when one phosphorus atom is connected to an oxygen atom, which is in turn connected to another phosphorus atom.

### Step 4: Count the P-O-P Bonds
From the drawn structure, we can count the number of P-O-P bonds:
1. Identify each P-O-P bond in the structure.
2. Count them carefully to ensure no bonds are missed.

### Step 5: Conclusion
After counting the P-O-P bonds in the structure, we find that there are a total of **6 P-O-P bonds** present in \( P_4O_8 \).

### Final Answer
Thus, the number of P-O-P bonds in \( P_4O_8 \) is **6**.

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