Question

White phosphorus on reaction with $NaOH$ gives $P{H}_3$ as one of the products. This is a :

• A. dimerization reaction
• B. disproportionation reaction
• C. condensation reaction
• D. precipitation

Answer 1

The correct option is B disproportionation reaction

White phosphorus on reaction with $NaOH$ gives $P{H}_3$ as one of the products.
$P_4+3NaOH+3H_{2}O\to 3Na{H}_{2}P{O}_2+P{H}_3$
The oxidation state of $P$ in $P_4$, $Na{H}_{2}P{O}_2$ and $P{H}_3$ is 0, +1 and -3 respectively. It is an example of disproportionation reaction.