Question

Are ions present in a sample ${\mathbf{P}}_{\mathbf{4}}{\mathbf{O}}_{\mathbf{6}}$ ? Explain.

Short answer

There are no ions present in a sample ${\mathbf{P}}_{\mathbf{4}}{\mathbf{O}}_{\mathbf{6}}$ because it is a molecule (covalent compound).

Step-by-step solution

Define covalent compounds

Covalent compounds are a class of chemical compounds that are formed from two or more nonmetals. The chemical bond formed between two non-metals is called a covalent bond in which two nonmetals share their electrons with one another.

Identify whether the given compound is covalent or not

${\mathbf{P}}_{\mathbf{4}}{\mathbf{O}}_{\mathbf{6}}$ contains phosphorus and oxygen atoms. Both atoms are non-metals in nature. So, they can share their electrons with each other to form covalent bonds. Here no complete electron transfer has occurred. The compound formed between them is called a covalent molecule/compound. Hence, there are no ions present in a sample ${\mathbf{P}}_{\mathbf{4}}{\mathbf{O}}_{\mathbf{6}}$.