White phosphorous has which of the following structure?

Options

A. Polymeric
B. Square planar
C. Crown Shape
D. Tetrahedral

Answer

To determine the structure of white phosphorus, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Molecular Formula
White phosphorus is represented by the molecular formula \( P_4 \). This indicates that it consists of four phosphorus atoms.

**Hint:** Remember that the molecular formula gives you the number of atoms of each element in the compound.

### Step 2: Understand the Arrangement of Atoms
In the \( P_4 \) molecule, the four phosphorus atoms are arranged in a specific way. Each phosphorus atom forms bonds with the other three phosphorus atoms.

**Hint:** Visualizing the arrangement of atoms can help in understanding the overall structure.

### Step 3: Determine the Type of Bonds
Each phosphorus atom in white phosphorus forms three single covalent bonds (sigma bonds) with the other phosphorus atoms. This results in a tetrahedral arrangement.

**Hint:** Consider how many bonds each atom can form based on its valence electrons.

### Step 4: Calculate the Steric Number
The steric number can be calculated as the sum of the number of sigma bonds and lone pairs on the central atom. In white phosphorus, each phosphorus atom has:
- 3 sigma bonds (to other phosphorus atoms)
- 1 lone pair

Thus, the steric number is \( 3 + 1 = 4 \).

**Hint:** The steric number helps to determine the hybridization and geometry of the molecule.

### Step 5: Determine the Hybridization
With a steric number of 4, the hybridization of phosphorus in white phosphorus is \( sp^3 \).

**Hint:** Hybridization can give insights into the geometry of the molecule.

### Step 6: Identify the Molecular Geometry
The geometry associated with \( sp^3 \) hybridization and a steric number of 4 is tetrahedral. However, due to the presence of lone pairs, the bond angles are distorted to approximately 60 degrees.

**Hint:** Keep in mind that lone pairs can affect bond angles in a molecule.

### Step 7: Conclusion
Based on the above analysis, we conclude that white phosphorus has a tetrahedral structure.

**Final Answer:** The structure of white phosphorus is tetrahedral.

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