Phosphorus pentoxide (P4O10) is known as what type of acid anhydride?

Phosphorus pentoxide (P4O10) is classified as an acid anhydride because it reacts with water to form an acid—in this case, phosphoric acid. When P4O10 is added to water, it undergoes hydrolysis to produce H3PO4. This behavior demonstrates its role as the anhydride of phosphoric acid, which is a key characteristic of acid anhydrides.

Understanding this relationship helps to recognize that phosphorus pentoxide acts as a dehydrated form of the acid, allowing it to introduce phosphorus in a manner that leads to the generation of phosphoric acid upon reaction with water. This unique property distinguishes it from other substances that would lead to their respective acids in a similar manner, confirming that phosphoric acid is the correct association for phosphorus pentoxide as an acid anhydride.