The ratio of sigma and bonds present in pyrophosphoric acid is

(Express as sigma:pi in simplest form — enter the value of sigma bonds)

Question

The ratio of sigma and  bonds present in pyrophosphoric acid is

(Express as sigma:pi in simplest form — enter the value of sigma bonds)

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Pyrophosphoric acid:

Structure: Two  units linked by one P–O–P bridge.

Counting bonds:

Each P has:
- 4 P–O single bonds (sigma): 3 P–OH + 1 P=O (but P=O has 1 sigma + 1 pi)
- 1 P=O double bond (1 sigma + 1 pi)

For :
- 2 P atoms, each with: 3 P–OH (sigma) + 1 P=O (1 sigma + 1 pi) + 1 bridging P–O–P (sigma)
- Total sigma bonds: 2 × (3 + 1 + 1) = 10, but the bridging O is shared → 2 × 3 + 2 × 1 + 1 = 9 sigma from P side
- Plus 4 O–H bonds (sigma) = 4

Actually counting all bonds:
- 4 O–H bonds

More questions from P Block (12th)