Which of the following is the correct statement for `PH_(3)`?

Options

A. It is extermely soluble in water
B. it is less basic then `NH_(3)`
C. It does not show reducing properties
D. it is nontoxic

Answer

2

Explanation

Phosphine is a very weak base. In fact ,the phosphonium ion `PH_(4)^(+)` ,the equivalent of the ammonium ion,is difficult to prepare.
`PH_(3)`, unlike `NH_(3)`, is not very soluble in water: aqueous solution are neutral. Relative to `NH_(3)`, it is very poisonous. Phosphine is a much more powerful reducing agent than ammonia,converting silver and copper (II) salts in solution to their phosphides which subsequently react to give the free metals:
`6Ag^(+)(aq)+PH_(3)(g)+3H_(2)(l)O rarr6Ag(s)+H_(3)PO_(3)(aq)+6H^(+)(aq.)`