Ratio of `sigma & pi` bond in `P_(4)O_(10)` is :-

Options

A. 4
B. 3
C. 2
D. 1

Answer

To determine the ratio of sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds in the molecule P₄O₁₀, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Draw the Structure of P₄O₁₀
P₄O₁₀ has a unique structure that can be visualized as a hexagonal arrangement of phosphorus (P) and oxygen (O) atoms. In this structure, phosphorus and oxygen alternate.

### Step 2: Identify the Atoms in the Structure
In P₄O₁₀, there are:
- 4 phosphorus (P) atoms
- 10 oxygen (O) atoms

### Step 3: Determine the Types of Bonds
In the structure, phosphorus forms double bonds with oxygen. Each double bond consists of one sigma bond and one pi bond.

### Step 4: Count the Pi Bonds
Pi bonds are formed from the double bonds between phosphorus and oxygen. In P₄O₁₀, there are 4 phosphorus atoms, and each forms a double bond with oxygen:
- Total π bonds = 4 (one for each P=O bond)

### Step 5: Count the Sigma Bonds
Now, we need to count the sigma bonds. Each double bond contributes one sigma bond, and we also need to account for the single bonds:
- Each P atom is bonded to two O atoms (via double bonds) and has additional single bonds with other P atoms.
- Total σ bonds = 16 (this includes the σ bonds from the double bonds and the single bonds between P and O as well as P-P bonds).

### Step 6: Calculate the Ratio
Now that we have the counts:
- Total σ bonds = 16
- Total π bonds = 4

The ratio of σ to π bonds is:
\[ \text{Ratio} = \frac{\sigma \text{ bonds}}{\pi \text{ bonds}} = \frac{16}{4} = 4 \]

### Final Answer
Thus, the ratio of sigma to pi bonds in P₄O₁₀ is **4:1**.

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