Which of the following is correct for P4 the molecule of white phosphorus? (i) It has 6 lone pairs of electrons. (ii) It has six P–P single bonds. (iii) It has three P–P single bonds. (iv) It has four lone pairs of electrons.
Correct options are B) and D) The structure of a molecule of white phosphorus has a tetrahedral geometry. As valency of phosphorus is 5 and there are in total four phosphorus atoms. Hence, there will be 4 × 5 = 20 valence electrons. Hence, each P atom has one lone pair of electron and each covalent bond (includes two electrons) will be formed.
