Question

The oxidation states of ${}^{\prime }{P}^{\prime }$ in $H_4{P}_2{O}_7$, $H_4{P}_2{O}_5$ and $H_4{P}_2{O}_6$, respectively are:

• A. $5,4\text{and}3$
• B. $7,5\text{and}6$
• C. $6,4\text{and}5$
• D. $5,3\text{and}4$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $5,3\text{and}4$

Let the oxidation state of $P$ in the above compounds be 'x'. Then, the value of x for the respective compounds can be calculated as,
$H_4{P}_2{O}_7$

$4+2x-14=0$
$2x=10$
$x=+5$

$H_4{P}_2{O}_5$

$4+2x-10=0$
$2x=6$
$x=+3$

$H_4{P}_2{O}_6$

$4+2x-12=0$
$2x=8$
$x=+4$