Question

Strong reducing behaviour of $H_{3}P{O}_2$ is due to

• A. high electron gain enthalpy of phosphorus
• B. high oxidation state of phosphorus
• C. presence of two - OH groups and one P - H bond
• D. presence of one - OH group and two P - H bonds.

Answer 1

The correct option is D presence of one - OH group and two P - H bonds.

All oxyacids of phosphorus which have P - H bonds act as strong reducing agents. $H_{3}P{O}_2$ has two P - H bonds hence, it acts as a strong reducing agent.