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`H_(3)PO_(3)` undergoes disprotionation reaction but `H_(3)PO_(4)` does not ? Explain. |
Answer» The maximum and minimum oxidation states of P are -3 and +5. But the oxidation state of P in `H_(3)PO_(3)` is +3. Therefore, it can increase its oxidation state to +5 in `H_(3)PO_(4)` and decrease its oxidation state to -3 in `PH_(3)`. Thus, `H_(3)PO_(3)` shows disproportionation reaction. `underset("Orthophoshorus acid")overset(+3)(4H_(3)PO_(3))overset("Heat")tounderset("Phoshine")overset(-3)(PH_(3))+underset("Orthophosphoric acid")overset(+5)(3H_(3)PO_(4))` In contrast, the oxidation state of P in `H_(3)PO_(4)" is "+5`, therefore, it cannot increase its oxidation state beyond +5 and hence it does not show disproportionation reaction. |
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