Question

Write the symbol and valency of phosphite.

Answer 1

• A phosphite ion is formed by the combination of one phosphorus atom and three oxygen atoms.
• The symbol of Phosphorus is '$\mathrm{P}$' with valency 3 and the symbol of oxygen is '$\mathrm{O}$' with valency 2.
• The net valency of phosphite ion = 3 - 3 x (2) = -3.

Hence, the symbol of the Phosphite ion is '${{\mathrm{PO}}_3}^{3-}$ and valency is -3.