[kissoftalons]

Predict the products of the following reactions and balance the resulting chemical equation.

P4 +O2 -->

I have no idea how to approach this. It would most likely be a synthesis reaction.

My guess : 3 P4 + 6 O2 --> 4 PO3

[Blueshawk]

Predict the products of the following reactions and balance the resulting chemical equation.

P4 +O2 -->

I have no idea how to approach this. It would most likely be a synthesis reaction.

My guess : 3 P4 + 6 O2 --> 4 PO3

The balancing is off.    at the start you have 12 P's and 12 O's. the products you have 4 P's and 12 O's...

Unless your product is supposed to be 4 (PO)3.

But for the real answer....srry have to think more on this.

[kissoftalons]

I meant it as 4 (PO)3 ..sorry i didn't specify. It was a complete guess and I'm completely stumped!!

[Donaldson Tan]

there are only 2 forms of phosphorus oxide:
phosphorus (III) oxide & phosphorus (V) oxide

phosphorus (III) oxide: P₄O₆
phosphorus (V) oxide: P₄O₁₀

assuming the only product formed is phosphorus (III) oxide, then the reaction would be
P₄ + 3O₂ -> P₄O₆

[kissoftalons]

Thank you! For future reference, given a question like this, how could I determine whether it was Phosphorous (III) or Phosphrous (V) Oxide?

[xiankai]

check which compound is the most stable, and will not break down easily anymore under the given conditions.

now... as for which is more stable, i'll wait for others to reply :X

[Donaldson Tan]

formation of P₄O₁₀ is favoured in excess oxygen.

formation of P₄O₆ is favoured in excess phosphorus.