Question

About phosphorous acid $\left(H_{3}P{O}_3\right),$ which of the following statements is/are true?

• A. Hybridization of P is the same as the hybridization of N in $HN{O}_3$.
• B. It is a dibasic acid.
• C. It is a reducer acid.
• D. Hybridization of P is the same as that of Xe in $Xe{O}_4$.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C), (D)

The correct options are
B It is a dibasic acid.
C It is a reducer acid.
D Hybridization of P is the same as that of Xe in $Xe{O}_4$.

The two hydrogen atoms attached to oxygen are ionisable in aqueous solution. Hence, $H_{3}P{O}_3$ is a dibasic acid. The hydrogen atom directly attached to phosphorous atom is used for reducing. Hence, $H_{3}P{O}_3$ is a reducing agent.
In $H_{3}P{O}_3$, $P$ is $s{p}^3$ hybridised, which is the same as $Xe$ in $Xe{O}_4$.

Hybridization of N in $HN{O}_3$ is $s{p}^2$.