Question

Oxoacids of Phosphorus.

Answer 1

• All the oxoacids have phosphorus atom or atoms bonded tetrahedrally to four other atoms or groups. 

• These atoms contain at least one P = O unit and one P-OH group. The P-OH group is ionisable giving a proton. The number of P-OH groups determines the basicity of the oxoacid. 

• Acids which contain P—H bonds have strong reducing properties. 

• Hypophosphorus or Phosphinic acid (H₃ PO₂); Monobasic and reducing agent Orthophosphorus acid (H₃ PO₃): Dibasic and reducing agent. 

Orthophosphoric acid (H₃ PO₄ ): Weak tribasic acid