Question:

White phosphorus $P_4$ has the following characteristics:

Updated On: Jun 18, 2022
  • 6 P - P single bonds
  • 4 P - P single bonds
  • 4 lone pair of electrons
  • P - P - P angle of $60^{\circ}$
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

White phosphorus $\left(P_{4}\right)$ has $6 P-P$ single
bonds, 4 lone pairs of electrons and $P - P - P$ angle of $60^{\circ}$. It is a translucent white waxy solid. It has large atomic size and less electronegativity. So, it forms single bond instead of $p \pi-p \pi$ multiple bond. It consists of discrete tetrahedral $P _{4}$ molecule as shown in the figure.
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Concepts Used:

P-Block Elements

  • P block elements are those in which the last electron enters any of the three p-orbitals of their respective shells. Since a p-subshell has three degenerate p-orbitals each of which can accommodate two electrons, therefore in all there are six groups of p-block elements.
  • P block elements are shiny and usually a good conductor of electricity and heat as they have a tendency to lose an electron. You will find some amazing properties of elements in a P-block element like gallium. It’s a metal that can melt in the palm of your hand. Silicon is also one of the most important metalloids of the p-block group as it is an important component of glass.

P block elements consist of: