
Sodium pyrophosphate is represented by which of the following formulas.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Answer
482.1k+ views
Hint: Pyrophosphate is the phosphorus oxyanions with a P-O-P linkage. It has two phosphorus atom presents in it. If we know the chemical formula of pyrophosphate, we can find the formula of sodium pyrophosphate.
Complete step by step solution: If we know the formula of pyrophosphate, we can find the solution. The pyrophosphate contains two phosphorus atoms and seven oxygen atoms.
The chemical formula of pyrophosphate is
Now, let us check the structure of pyrophosphate.
We can see in the structure of pyrophosphate, with P-O-P linkage. The valency of phosphorus is five, hence one double-bonded oxygen atom is attached and one P-O-P linkage is available. The remaining two are bonded with oxygen ions, which are ready to make a bond. In pyrophosphate we have two phosphorus hence a total valency of pyrophosphate is 4. From this, we can understand that it can form an ionic bond between them. Hence four sodium atoms are used to make the compound sodium pyrophosphate. It can also be called tetrasodium pyrophosphate.
Thus, the formula for tetrasodium pyrophosphate is .
i.e., option(c) is correct.
Additional Information: Sodium pyrophosphate as salt, it is a white water-soluble solid. It has uses in buffering agents, an emulsifier, a dispersing agent and importantly used as a food additive. It is sometimes used in detergents to prevent similar deposition on clothing, but since it has phosphate content it causes eutrophication of water, promoting algae growth.
Note: Pyrophosphate can also form as disodium pyrophosphate, where two sodium atoms and two hydrogen atoms are attached to respective oxygen atoms. It has the formula of .It also has similar uses as the sodium pyrophosphate.
Complete step by step solution: If we know the formula of pyrophosphate, we can find the solution. The pyrophosphate contains two phosphorus atoms and seven oxygen atoms.
The chemical formula of pyrophosphate is
Now, let us check the structure of pyrophosphate.

We can see in the structure of pyrophosphate, with P-O-P linkage. The valency of phosphorus is five, hence one double-bonded oxygen atom is attached and one P-O-P linkage is available. The remaining two are bonded with oxygen ions, which are ready to make a bond. In pyrophosphate we have two phosphorus hence a total valency of pyrophosphate is 4. From this, we can understand that it can form an ionic bond between them. Hence four sodium atoms are used to make the compound sodium pyrophosphate. It can also be called tetrasodium pyrophosphate.
Thus, the formula for tetrasodium pyrophosphate is
i.e., option(c) is correct.
Additional Information: Sodium pyrophosphate as salt, it is a white water-soluble solid. It has uses in buffering agents, an emulsifier, a dispersing agent and importantly used as a food additive. It is sometimes used in detergents to prevent similar deposition on clothing, but since it has phosphate content it causes eutrophication of water, promoting algae growth.
Note: Pyrophosphate can also form as disodium pyrophosphate, where two sodium atoms and two hydrogen atoms are attached to respective oxygen atoms. It has the formula of
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 10 | MAHARASHTRABOARD | SCHOOL | English
Vedantu 10 Maharashtra Pro Lite (2025-26)
School Full course for MAHARASHTRABOARD students
₹33,300 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 9 General Knowledge: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 9 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 9 Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 9 Social Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 9 Maths: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Class 9 Question and Answer - Your Ultimate Solutions Guide

Trending doubts
State and prove Bernoullis theorem class 11 physics CBSE

What are Quantum numbers Explain the quantum number class 11 chemistry CBSE

Who built the Grand Trunk Road AChandragupta Maurya class 11 social science CBSE

1 ton equals to A 100 kg B 1000 kg C 10 kg D 10000 class 11 physics CBSE

State the laws of reflection of light

One Metric ton is equal to kg A 10000 B 1000 C 100 class 11 physics CBSE
