The reducing strength of oxyacid of the Phosphorous depends on

Options

A. The number of H - atoms directly attached to P
B. The number of H-atom attached to oxygen atom
C. The number of O - atoms attached to P-atoms
D. The number of P-atoms

Answer

To determine the reducing strength of oxyacids of phosphorus, we need to analyze the factors that influence this property. The reducing strength of oxyacids like H3PO2 (phosphorous acid) depends primarily on the number of hydrogen atoms directly attached to the phosphorus atom.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Oxyacid**:
- We consider the oxyacid H3PO2 (phosphorous acid) for analysis.
- Its structure consists of phosphorus (P) bonded to one double-bonded oxygen (O) and two hydroxyl groups (OH), along with one hydrogen atom directly bonded to phosphorus.

2. **Analyze the Structure**:
- In H3PO2, the phosphorus atom is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom with a double bond.
- The presence of hydrogen atoms attached to phosphorus is crucial because these hydrogen atoms can participate in redox reactions.

3. **Determine the Nature of Hydrogen Bonds**:
- The hydrogen atoms attached to phosphorus are less electronegative compared to those attached to oxygen.
- This makes the phosphorus-hydrogen bond capable of acting as a reducing agent, as it can donate electrons more readily.

4. **Reaction Example**:
- When H3PO2 reacts with sodium chloride (NaCl), it forms sodium dihydrogen phosphite (NaH2PO2) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
- The reaction demonstrates the reducing capability of H3PO2, as the hydrogen attached to phosphorus can reduce NaCl.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The reducing strength of oxyacids of phosphorus is primarily dependent on the number of hydrogen atoms directly attached to the phosphorus atom.
- Therefore, the correct answer is: **The number of hydrogen atoms directly attached to the phosphorus atom**.

### Final Answer:
The reducing strength of oxyacids of phosphorus depends on the number of hydrogen atoms directly attached to the phosphorus atom.

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