In the giant cage-like structure of phosphorus pentoxide (), what is the total number of bridging ox — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The structure of $P_4O_{10}$ is based on a $P_4$ tetrahedron. Each of the 6 edges of the $P_4$ tetrahedron is interrupted by a bridging oxygen atom, creating 6 $P-O-P$ linkages. Additionally, there are 4 terminal $P=O$ double bonds, one on each phosphorus atom.