The no. of `sigma` bonds in the compound `P_(4)O_(10)` is -

Options

A. 1
B. 4
C. 3
D. 16

Answer

To determine the number of sigma bonds in the compound \( P_4O_{10} \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Draw the Structure of \( P_4O_{10} \)
1. **Identify the Atoms**: The compound consists of 4 phosphorus (P) atoms and 10 oxygen (O) atoms.
2. **Arrange the Phosphorus Atoms**: Place the 4 phosphorus atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement.
3. **Connect Phosphorus Atoms with Oxygen**: Each phosphorus atom is bonded to one double-bonded oxygen atom and shares single bonds with the other phosphorus atoms through oxygen atoms.

### Step 2: Count the Bonds
1. **Double Bonds**: Each P=O double bond contributes 1 sigma bond and 1 pi bond. Since there are 4 phosphorus atoms, there are 4 P=O double bonds.
- **Contribution from double bonds**: 4 sigma bonds.

2. **Single Bonds**: Each phosphorus atom is connected to the other phosphorus atoms through single bonds (which are sigma bonds). In total, there are 3 P-P bonds.
- **Contribution from single bonds**: 3 sigma bonds.

3. **Oxygen Bridges**: Each P atom is also connected to an oxygen atom that serves as a bridge to another P atom. Since there are 6 oxygen atoms acting as bridges, each contributes a sigma bond.
- **Contribution from bridging oxygens**: 6 sigma bonds.

### Step 3: Total Sigma Bonds Calculation
- From double bonds: 4 sigma bonds
- From P-P single bonds: 3 sigma bonds
- From bridging oxygens: 6 sigma bonds

**Total sigma bonds** = 4 + 3 + 6 = 13 sigma bonds.

### Final Count
Thus, the total number of sigma bonds in \( P_4O_{10} \) is **16**.