The correct structural formula of hypophosphorous acid is

Options

A. `HO-overset(O)overset(||)underset(OH)underset(|)(P)-OH`
B. `HO-overset(O)overset(||)underset(H)underset(|)(P)-OH`
C. `H-overset(O)overset(||)underset(H)underset(|)(P)-OH`
D. `HO-O-underset(H)underset(|)(P)-H`

Answer

C

Explanation

Hypophosphrous acid (phosohinic acid), `H_(3)PO_(2)` (oxidation no of `P` is `+1` )has one `P-OH` two `P-H` and one `P=O` bonds:
`H-underset(H)underset(|)overset(O)overset(||)(P)-OH`
It is monobasic and a good reducing agent. It is made as follows:
`2P_(4)+3Ba(OH)_(2)+6H_(2)O rarr 2PH_(3)+3Ba(H_(2)PO_(2))_(2)`
`Ba(H_(2)PO_(2))_(2)+H_(2)SO_(4) rarr BaSO_(4)+2H_(3)PO_(2)`