Write the chemical reactions of `P_(4)O_(6)` with cold and hot water.

Options

A. Ortho phosphoric acid
B. Meta phosphoric acid
C. Pyrophosphoric acid
D. Hypophosphorous acid

Answer

To solve the question regarding the chemical reactions of \( P_4O_6 \) with cold and hot water, we will break down the reactions step by step.

### Step 1: Reaction of \( P_4O_6 \) with Hot Water
1. **Identify the reaction**: When \( P_4O_6 \) reacts with hot water, it forms orthophosphoric acid (\( H_3PO_4 \)) and phosphine (\( PH_3 \)).
2. **Write the unbalanced equation**:
\[ P_4O_6 + H_2O \rightarrow H_3PO_4 + PH_3 \]

### Step 2: Balancing the Reaction with Hot Water
1. **Count the number of atoms**:
- On the left: 4 phosphorus (P), 6 oxygen (O), and 2 hydrogen (H) from water.
- On the right: We need to balance the products.
2. **Balance the equation**:
- We can start by balancing phosphorus:
- There are 4 P in \( P_4O_6 \), so we need 4 P in the products.
- This can be achieved by adjusting the coefficients:
\[ P_4O_6 + 6 H_2O \rightarrow 4 H_3PO_4 + 2 PH_3 \]

### Step 3: Final Balanced Equation for Hot Water
The balanced reaction with hot water is:
\[ P_4O_6 + 6 H_2O \rightarrow 4 H_3PO_4 + 2 PH_3 \]

### Step 4: Reaction of \( P_4O_6 \) with Cold Water
1. **Identify the reaction**: When \( P_4O_6 \) reacts with cold water, it forms phosphorus acid (\( H_3PO_3 \)) and diphosphorus pentoxide (\( H_4P_2O_5 \)).
2. **Write the unbalanced equation**:
\[ P_4O_6 + H_2O \rightarrow H_3PO_3 + H_4P_2O_5 \]

### Step 5: Balancing the Reaction with Cold Water
1. **Count the number of atoms**:
- On the left: 4 phosphorus (P), 6 oxygen (O), and 2 hydrogen (H) from water.
- On the right: We need to balance the products.
2. **Balance the equation**:
- Start by balancing phosphorus:
- We have 4 P on the left, so we need 4 P on the right.
- Adjust the coefficients:
\[ P_4O_6 + 2 H_2O \rightarrow 2 H_3PO_3 + H_4P_2O_5 \]

### Step 6: Final Balanced Equation for Cold Water
The balanced reaction with cold water is:
\[ P_4O_6 + 2 H_2O \rightarrow 2 H_3PO_3 + H_4P_2O_5 \]

### Summary of Reactions
- **With Hot Water**:
\[ P_4O_6 + 6 H_2O \rightarrow 4 H_3PO_4 + 2 PH_3 \]
- **With Cold Water**:
\[ P_4O_6 + 2 H_2O \rightarrow 2 H_3PO_3 + H_4P_2O_5 \]