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White phosphorus (P4) does not contain...

White phosphorus `(P_4)` does not contain

A

six P-P single bonds

B

four P-P single bonds

C

four lone pairs of electrons

D

P-P-P angle of `60^@`

Text Solution

AI Generated Solution

The correct Answer is:
To solve the question of what White Phosphorus `(P_4)` does not contain, we will analyze the structure and bonding of White Phosphorus step by step. ### Step 1: Understanding the Structure of White Phosphorus 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 present in the molecule. ### Step 2: Analyzing the Bonding In `P_4`, the four phosphorus atoms are arranged in a tetrahedral shape. Each phosphorus atom is bonded to three other phosphorus atoms through single bonds. **Hint:** Visualize the tetrahedral arrangement to understand how the atoms are connected. ### Step 3: Counting the Bonds In the structure of `P_4`, there are a total of 6 phosphorus-phosphorus (P-P) single bonds. This can be confirmed by counting the bonds formed between the phosphorus atoms in the tetrahedral structure. **Hint:** Count the number of bonds carefully to ensure accuracy. ### Step 4: Evaluating the Lone Pairs Each phosphorus atom has 5 valence electrons. After forming bonds with other phosphorus atoms, each atom will have one lone pair of electrons remaining. Since there are 4 phosphorus atoms, this results in a total of 4 lone pairs of electrons. **Hint:** Remember that lone pairs are non-bonding pairs of electrons that remain after bonding. ### Step 5: Analyzing the Options Now, we need to determine which of the given options is not present in `P_4`. The options typically include: 1. 6 P-P single bonds 2. 4 P-P single bonds 3. 4 lone pairs of electrons 4. P-P-P bond angle of 60 degrees From our analysis: - There are indeed 6 P-P single bonds. - There are not 4 P-P single bonds (this is incorrect). - There are 4 lone pairs of electrons. - The P-P-P bond angle is not 60 degrees; it is actually around 60 degrees due to the tetrahedral arrangement. ### Conclusion The correct answer to the question "White phosphorus `(P_4)` does not contain" is **4 P-P single bonds**. **Final Answer:** White phosphorus `(P_4)` does not contain 4 P-P single bonds. ---
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