Question:

The pair in which phosphorous atoms have a formal oxidation state of +3 is :

Show Hint

Compute the oxidation state of P in each acid from its formula.
Updated On: Nov 11, 2026
  • Orthophosphorous and pyrophosphorous acids
  • Pyrophosphorous and hypophosphoric acids
  • Orthophosphorus and hypophosphoric acids
  • Pyrophosphorous and pyrophosphoric acids
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Orthophosphorous acid \(\mathrm{H_3PO_3}\): \(3 + x - 6 = 0\), so \(x = +3\).
Pyrophosphorous acid \(\mathrm{H_4P_2O_5}\): \(4 + 2x - 10 = 0\), so \(x = +3\).
Hypophosphoric acid \(\mathrm{H_4P_2O_6}\): \(4 + 2x - 12 = 0\), so \(x = +4\).
Pyrophosphoric acid \(\mathrm{H_4P_2O_7}\): \(4 + 2x - 14 = 0\), so \(x = +5\).
Only orthophosphorous and pyrophosphorous acids both have P in +3.
Answer: (1) Orthophosphorous and pyrophosphorous acids
Was this answer helpful?
0
0