Question

Phosphorus forms many oxiacids. Indicate the oxidation number of phosphorus in each of the following acids:

(a) H3PO4

(b) HPO3

(c) H3PO2

(d) H5P3O10

Answer 1

Here we have to calculate the oxidation state of P in the given compounds.

Here all the compounds contain H, P and O. Let us consider the oxidation of P is x, it is known that oxidation state of H is +1 and oxidation state The oxidation of P in HPO3 can be calculated as follows,

1+ x + 3(2-) = 0

x = 5

The oxidation state of P in HPO3 found to be +5.

of O is -2.

(b) HPO3