Home
Class 11
CHEMISTRY
Phosphorus acid can act both as oxidisin...

Phosphorus acid can act both as oxidising agent as well as reducing agent while phosphoric acid is only an oxidising agent. Explain.
" " Or
Phosphorus acid undergoes disproportionation reaction but phosphoric acid does not. Explain.

Text Solution

Verified by Experts

The behaviour is linked with the oxidation state of phosphorus atom in the two acids.In phosphorus acid `(H_(3)OPO_(3))`. the oxidation state of P is +3.It is in a position to increase its oxidation state (acts as redcuiing agent) as well as sdecrease it (acts as oxidising agent).The oxidation state of phosphorus in phosphoric acid `(H_(3)PO_(4))` is +5 .Since it cannot increase it vbeyond 5, it cannot act as reducing agent .Hower it can behave as oxidising agent bty decreasing its oxidation state.
Promotional Banner

Topper's Solved these Questions

  • REDOX REACTIONS

    DINESH PUBLICATION|Exercise Value Based Question|2 Videos

  • REDOX REACTIONS

    DINESH PUBLICATION|Exercise (Oxidation & Reduction) very short answer questions (Assingnment)|12 Videos

  • REDOX REACTIONS

    DINESH PUBLICATION|Exercise Additional Important Question|31 Videos

  • RATES OF REACTIONS AND CHEMICAL KINETICS

    DINESH PUBLICATION|Exercise Ultimate Preparatory Package|29 Videos

  • S-BLOCK ELEMENTS (ALKALI AND ALKALINE EARTH METALS )

    DINESH PUBLICATION|Exercise Assertion reason|12 Videos

Similar Questions

Explore conceptually related problems

Which can act as an oxidising as well as a reducing agent ?

Which compound acts as an oxidising as well as reducing agent?

The compound that canwork both as an oxidising as well as a reducing agent is

The compound that can work both as an oxidising as well as reducing agent is :

The compound that can act both as oxidising and reducing agent is: