Question

Which molecule has more P-bonds than s-bonds?

a) PH₃
b) PCl₅
c) P₂O₅
d) P₄O₁₀

Answer 1

The molecule with more π-bonds than σ-bonds is P4O10 (option d), as it contains multiple P=O double bonds, unlike the other options which have only σ-bonds or fewer π-bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecule that has more pi (π)-bonds than sigma (σ)-bonds among the given choices is P4O10 (Choice d). To understand this, we need to analyze the bonding structure of each molecule:

• PH3: Consists of one P atom with three single σ-bonds to H atoms, no π-bonds.

• PCl5: Consists of one P atom with five single σ-bonds to Cl atoms, no π-bonds.

• P2O5: Consists of P atoms bonded to O with single and double bonds which include π-bonds, but fewer π-bonds than σ-bonds.

• P4O10: Also known as tetraphosphorus decaoxide, it consists of P4 units where each P atom is bonded to other P atoms or O atoms with multiple double (π) bonds to O, leading to more π-bonds compared to σ-bonds. This molecule is essentially P2O5 in a dimeric form, and each P2O5 has four P=O double bonds, hence eight P=O double bonds (π-bonds) in P4O10.

Therefore, the correct answer is option d) P4O10.