the correct structural formula of hypophosphorous acid is

Options

A.
B.
C.
D.

Explanation

To determine the correct structural formula of hypophosphorous acid (H₃PO₂), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Molecular Formula
The molecular formula of hypophosphorous acid is H₃PO₂. This indicates that there are three hydrogen atoms, one phosphorus atom, and two oxygen atoms in the molecule.

**Hint:** Always start by confirming the molecular formula of the compound you are studying.

### Step 2: Understand the Structure of Phosphorus Compounds
Hypophosphorous acid is related to phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), which has two more oxygen atoms. In hypophosphorous acid, phosphorus is bonded to two oxygen atoms and has a different arrangement compared to phosphoric acid.

**Hint:** Compare the compound with similar compounds to understand its structure better.

### Step 3: Determine the Bonding
In hypophosphorous acid:
- One oxygen atom is double-bonded to phosphorus.
- The other oxygen atom is bonded to phosphorus with a single bond and carries a hydroxyl group (-OH).
- The remaining two hydrogen atoms are bonded to phosphorus.

**Hint:** Visualize the bonding by drawing the atoms and their connections to see how they are arranged.

### Step 4: Draw the Structural Formula
Based on the bonding information:
- Place phosphorus (P) in the center.
- Draw one oxygen (O) double-bonded to phosphorus.
- Draw another oxygen (O) single-bonded to phosphorus, which is also connected to a hydrogen (H) to form the hydroxyl group (-OH).
- Attach the remaining two hydrogen atoms to phosphorus.

The structural formula can be represented as follows:

```
H
|
H--P=O
|
O-H
```

**Hint:** Use a diagram to help visualize the structure, ensuring that all valencies are satisfied.

### Step 5: Confirm the Monoprotic Nature
Since there is one hydroxyl group (-OH) in the structure, hypophosphorous acid is classified as a monoprotic acid, meaning it can donate one proton (H⁺) in an acid-base reaction.

**Hint:** Check the acid's properties to understand its behavior in reactions.

### Conclusion
The correct structural formula of hypophosphorous acid is represented as shown above, confirming that the first option is indeed the correct one.

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