Question

What is the range of the oxidation state shown by phosphorus in its oxoacids?

• A. $+1$ to $+3$
• B. $+2$ to $+4$
• C. $+1$ to $+2$
• D. $+1$ to $+5$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $+1$ to $+5$

Phosphorus in the ground state has a valency of $3$ and it has a valency of $5$ in its excited state. Hence, it forms oxoacids with a wide range of oxidation states where the oxidation state varies from $+1$ to $+5.$