Ncert Exercises & Solutions

Which of the following is correct for P₄ molecule of white phosphorus?

a. It has 6 lone pairs of electrons

b. It has six P — P single bonds

c. It has three P — P single bonds

d. It has four lone pairs of electrons

Choose the correct option

1. (a, b)
2. (b, c)
3. (c, d)
4. (b, d)

Hint: Phosphorus forms three bonds and it has a lone pair.

Structure of P₄ molecule can be represented as

It has total of four lone pairs of electrons situated at each P-atom.
It has six P—P single bonds.