Question

One of the products of the hydrolysis of calcium phosphide at 25°C is

• A. phosphine
• B. phosphoric acid
• C. phosphorus pentoxide
• D. white phosphorus

Hint:

In the hydrolysis of calcium phosphide, phosphine gas is produced. The reaction is exothermic and produces calcium hydroxide as well.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the reaction.
Calcium phosphide (\( \text{Ca}_3\text{P}_2 \)) reacts with water to produce phosphine gas (\( \text{PH}_3 \)), calcium hydroxide (\( \text{Ca(OH)}_2 \)), and heat.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) phosphine: Correct, as phosphine (\( \text{PH}_3 \)) is produced during the hydrolysis of calcium phosphide.
(B) phosphoric acid: Incorrect, phosphoric acid is not directly produced from this reaction.
(C) phosphorus pentoxide: Incorrect, phosphorus pentoxide is not a product in this reaction.
(D) white phosphorus: Incorrect, white phosphorus is not produced in this reaction.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) phosphine.