How many bridging oxygen atoms are present in ${P_4 O_{10}}$ ?

Question

$\textbf{Reduction potential of ions are given below:}$
\[ \begin{array}{ccc} \text{ClO}_4^- & \text{IO}_4^- & \text{BrO}_4^- \\ E^\circ = 1.19 \, \text{V} & E^\circ = 1.65 \, \text{V} & E^\circ = 1.74 \, \text{V} \\ \end{array} \]
The correct order of their oxidising power is:

Answer 1

To determine the number of bridging oxygen atoms in ${P_4 O_{10}}$, we must first understand the structure of ${P_4 O_{10}}$.

Structure of ${P_4 O_{10}}$:

The molecule ${P_4 O_{10}}$ consists of four phosphorus (P) atoms and ten oxygen (O) atoms. It is considered as the anhydride of phosphoric acid. The structure consists of six bridging oxygen atoms and four terminal oxygen atoms.

Visualizing the Structure:

The four phosphorus atoms form a tetrahedral structure. In this structure:

Each phosphorus atom is bonded to one terminal oxygen atom. (Total of 4 terminal oxygens)
The remaining six oxygen atoms act as bridges between the phosphorus atoms.

Thus, the correct structure of ${P_4 O_{10}}$ reveals that there are 6 bridging oxygen atoms.

Conclusion:

From the structural analysis, it is clear that there are 6 bridging oxygen atoms in ${P_4 O_{10}}$. Therefore, the correct answer is:

6

This concludes the reasoning behind why the answer is option 6.

Answer 2