Question:

White Phosphorus on reaction with concentrated NaOH solution in an inert atmosphere of \(\mathrm{CO_2}\) gives phosphine and compound (X). (X) on acidification with HCl gives compound (Y). The basicity of compound (Y) is :

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White phosphorus disproportionates in alkali to \(\mathrm{PH_3}\) and sodium hypophosphite; the acid formed on acidification is hypophosphorous acid.
Updated On: Nov 5, 2026
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

\(\mathrm{P_4 + 3NaOH + 3H_2O \rightarrow PH_3 + 3NaH_2PO_2}\), so X = sodium hypophosphite, \(\mathrm{NaH_2PO_2}\).
Acidification: \(\mathrm{NaH_2PO_2 + HCl \rightarrow H_3PO_2 + NaCl}\), so Y = hypophosphorous acid \(\mathrm{H_3PO_2}\).
Structure of \(\mathrm{H_3PO_2}\): \(\mathrm{H_2P(=O)OH}\); only one OH group (the two P-H bonds are not ionisable), so its basicity is 1.
Answer: (3) 1
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