Question

The $P-P-P$ in $P_4$ molecule and $S-S-S$ angle in $S_8$ molecule is (in degree) respectively:
(A) ${60}^{\circ },{107}^{\circ }$
(B) ${107}^{\circ },{60}^{\circ }$
(C) ${60}^{\circ },{108}^{\circ }$
(D) ${60}^{\circ },{40}^{\circ }$

Answer 1

Hint: Atoms in $P_4$ molecules are arranged in a tetrahedron structure. Whereas $S_8$ molecules’ atoms are arranged in a crown shape. Thus, they will have different angles between their atoms corresponding to their respective structure.

Complete step by step answer:
$P_4$ (tetra phosphorus) is a member of tetratomic phosphorus.
A nonmetal element that has the atomic symbol P, atomic number $15$ and atomic mass $31$. It is an essential element that takes part in a broad variety of biochemical reactions.

In $P_4$ molecule the four $S{p}^3$ hybridized phosphorus atoms lie at the corners of a regular tetrahedron with $P-P-P$ angle ${60}^{\circ }$
$P_4$ has following characteristics:
-Tetrahedron shape
-P-P-P bond angle is ${60}^{\circ }$
-There are six bonds in total.
-Four lone pairs of electrons.
-Can form a single bond with other atoms $S_8$ molecules.
Cyclo octa Sulphur is a homo monocyclic compound composed of eight Sulphur atoms. It has been isolated from Ganoderma lucidum, a mushroom commonly used in Chinese medicine. It has a role as a fungal metabolic and a bacterial metabolite. It is an elemental Sulphur and a homo monocyclic compound.

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Side View
In $S_8$ molecule, $S-S-S$ angle is ${107}^{\circ }$.

So, the answer is (A) ${60}^{\circ },{107}^{\circ }$.

Note: The Molecular solid is a solid consisting of discrete molecules. The cohesive forces are Van Der waal forces, dipole-dipole interaction, etc. So $P_4$ and $S_8$ are called molecular solids.