Question

H${}_3$PO${}_2$ is the molecular formula of an acid of phosphorous. Its name and basicity respectively are :

• A. Metaphosphorous acid and one
• B. Hypophosphorous acid and one
• C. Metaphosphoric acid and two
• D. Hypophosphoric acid and two

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Hypophosphorous acid and one

$H_3\stackrel{+1}{P}{O}_2$

Hypo- is used to indicate the very lowest oxidation state. Here, the oxidation state of 'P' is in its lowest state. So, the name of the given compound is

$Hypophosphorousacid$ and as it can be seen from the diagram that the basicity of the compound is $1$

Hence, the correct option is B.