Question
Give an example of oxoacid of phosphorus in which oxidation state of phosphorus is + 4.
Solution
Hypophosphoric acid is oxoacid of phosphorus in which oxidation state of phosphorous is +4.
Formula of hypophosphoric acid is H4P2O6
Calculation of oxidation state.
hydrogen have +1 oxidation state and oxygen has -2 oxidation state thus
1 x4 + 2P +(-2) x 6 = 0
4+2P-12=0
4+2P=12
2P=12-4
2P=8
P=8/2
P=4
