= Solution
\b[P$_4$ is a tetrahedron of four <phosphorus> atoms, with a P–P bond along every edge.] Each P has three P–P <sigma bonds> and one <lone pair>. The P–P–P angles are $60^\circ$, so these are strained, bent bonds rather than four independent tetrahedral electron-pair arrangements with ideal <bond angles>. This molecular unit is characteristic of <white phosphorus>.
\Image[/past-exam-of-the-chemistry-b-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2022/paper-2-main-group.png]
{title=Original structures of P4, the two phosphoryl compounds, cyclic triborate and trimetaphosphate}
Back to article page