Question

What are the oxidation states of phosphorus in the following: (i) H3PO3 (ii) PCl3 (iii) Ca3P2 (iv) Na3PO4 (v) POF3?

Answer 1

Hey Dear,

◆ Answer -

(i) H3PO3, OS of P = +3

(ii) PCl3, OS of P = +3

(iii) Ca3P2, OS of P = -3

(iv) Na3PO4, OS of P = +5

(v) POF3, OS of P = +5

● Explaination -

Let x be the oxidation state of phosphorus in respective compounds. Sum of oxidation states of all entities in the compound is equal to its charge.

(i) H3PO3

3×(+1) + 1×x + 3×(-2) = 0

3 + x - 6 = 0

x = +3

(ii) PCl3

1×x + 3×(-1) = 0

x - 3 = 0

x = +3

(iii) Ca3P2

3×(+2) + 2×x = 0

6 + 2x = 0

2x = -6

x = -3

(iv) Na3PO4

3×(+1) + 1×x + 4×(-2) = 0

3 + x - 8 = 0

x = +5

(v) POF3

1×x + 1×(-2) + 3×(-1) = 0

x - 2 - 3 = 0

x = +5

Thanks...