What is the correct formula for Diphosphorus Hexoxide
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct formula for diphosphorus hexoxide is P4O6.
Explanation:
To derive the formula for diphosphorus hexoxide, we need to break down the naming conventions based on the rules of chemical nomenclature:
- Prefix for phosphorus: The prefix “di-” indicates two phosphorus atoms. Therefore, the compound contains two phosphorus atoms in its molecular structure.
- Prefix for oxygen: The prefix “hexa-” means six oxygen atoms. So, the compound contains six oxygen atoms.
- Oxide: The term “oxide” implies that the compound is composed of phosphorus and oxygen.
Now, combining the information:
- The chemical name indicates that there are four phosphorus atoms (P4) and six oxygen atoms (O6).
- The formula is written as P4O6.
Chemical Properties:
- Diphosphorus hexoxide is commonly known as phosphorus trioxide, a molecular compound formed by phosphorus and oxygen. It can be formed by burning phosphorus in an excess of oxygen, resulting in a white solid.
- The molecular structure consists of two phosphorus atoms bonded to oxygen atoms, with the bonding forming a cyclic structure, often referred to as the “phosphorus trioxide” molecule.
- Diphosphorus hexoxide is a highly reactive compound and can react with water to form phosphorous acid (H3PO3), which is a weak acid.
Relation to Other Phosphorus Oxides:
- Diphosphorus tetroxide (P4O10) is a related compound, often referred to as “phosphorus pentoxide” in its most commonly found form. The difference in their oxygen count distinguishes them, where P4O6 has six oxygen atoms as opposed to the ten in P4O10.
The naming and understanding of this compound are rooted in these fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry.
