Question:

What products are expected from the disproportionation reaction of orthophosphorous acid?

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Only compounds with intermediate oxidation states can undergo disproportionation.
Updated On: Feb 11, 2026
  • \( \mathrm{H_3PO_3 + PH_3} \)
  • \( \mathrm{H_3PO_4 + PH_3} \)
  • \( \mathrm{PH_3 + P_2O_5} \)
  • \( \mathrm{H_3PO_3 + P_2O_5} \)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding disproportionation.
Disproportionation is a reaction in which the same element undergoes both oxidation and reduction.

Step 2: Oxidation state of phosphorus.
In orthophosphorous acid (\(\mathrm{H_3PO_3}\)), phosphorus has oxidation state +3.

Step 3: Products formed.
Phosphorus is oxidised to +5 state in phosphoric acid (\(\mathrm{H_3PO_4}\)) and reduced to –3 state in phosphine (\(\mathrm{PH_3}\)).

Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, the products are phosphoric acid and phosphine.
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