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Question

What is the oxidation number of the phosphorus in Pyrophosphoric acid?


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Solution

Oxidation number:

  • Oxidation number denotes the oxidation state of an element in a compound ascertained according to a set of rules formulated on the basis that electron pair in a covalent bond belongs entirely to a more electronegative element.
  • "If two or more than two atoms of an element are present in the molecule/ion such as Na2S2O3, the oxidation number of the atom of that element will then be the average of the oxidation number of all the atoms of that element."

Calculating the oxidation number of Phosphorous(P) in Pyrophosphoric acid (H4P2O7):

The oxidation state of Hydrogen(H) = +1

The oxidation state of Oxygen(O) = -2

Consider the oxidation state of Phosphorous(P) = x

Now,

+1×4+x×2+-2×7=0+4+2x-14=02x-10=0x=+5

Hence, the oxidation number of phosphorus in Pyrophosphoric acid is +5.


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