Strong reducing behavior of H3PO2 is due to
- high electron gain enthalpy of phosphorus
- high oxidation state of phosphorus
- presence of two -OH groups and one P-H bond
- presence of one -OH group and two P-H bonds.
Answer
(4) presence of one -OH group and two P-H bonds.
Solution
Structure of hypophosphorous acid:
[figure]
⇒ H3PO2 has one P-OH, one P=O and two P-H bonds (monobasic).
As per NCERT, oxoacids of phosphorus containing P-H bonds have strong reducing properties; H3PO2, with two P-H bonds, is a good reducing agent, e.g.
4AgNO3 + 2H2O + H3PO2 4Ag + 4HNO3 + H3PO4
Answer: (4)