(a) The P4, P4O6, and P4O10 molecules have a common structural feature of four P atoms arranged in a tetrahedron (Figures 22.27 and 22.28). Does this mean that the bonding between the P atoms is the same in all these cases? Explain.
(b) Sodium trimetaphosphate (Na3P3O9) and sodium tetrametaphosphate (Na4P4O12) are used as water-softening agents. They contain cyclic P3O93- and P4O124- ions, respectively. Propose reasonable structures for these ions.