Question

In the reaction of yellow phosphorus with NaOH, P acts as a /an
a. oxidizing agent b. reducing agent c. dehydrating agent d) both a and b​

Answer 1

Answer:

oxidizing agent

is the answer

Answer 2

In the reaction of yellow phosphorus with NaOH, P acts as

Explanation:

Option (d) Both a and b

When Phosphorus (yellow) reacts with alkali sodium hydroxide in the presence of heat, Sodium Hypophosphite is formed and phosphine gas is evolved.

$P_{4} + 3NaOH(aq) + heat--> 3NaH_{2}PO_{2} + PH_{3}$

Being in elemental form, the oxidation state of Phosphorus in P4 is zero.

It changes to -3 in phosphine indicating the reduction of phosphorus.

Oxidation state of phosphorus is +5 in sodium hypophosphite indicating its oxidation.

Hence, Phosphorus act as both oxidizing agent and reducing agent.