In `H_(3)PO_(3)` molecule

Options

A. P-atom is surrounded by three `-OH` groups
B. P-atom is tetrahedrally surrounded by two `-OH` groups, one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom
C. P-atom is surrounded by four `-OH` groups
D. P-atom is surrounded by two -H atoms

Answer

To analyze the structure of the molecule H₃PO₃ (phosphorous acid) and determine the correct statements about it, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Molecular Formula**:
The molecular formula of the compound is H₃PO₃. This indicates that the molecule contains phosphorus (P), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H).

2. **Draw the Structure of H₃PO₃**:
The structure can be represented as follows:
- Phosphorus (P) is the central atom.
- There are two hydroxyl (OH) groups attached to the phosphorus.
- There is one double bond to an oxygen atom (O).
- There is one additional hydrogen atom (H) attached to the phosphorus.

The structure can be visualized as:
```
O
||
P - OH
/ \
OH H
```

3. **Count the Groups Around Phosphorus**:
- There are **two OH groups**.
- There is **one double-bonded oxygen**.
- There is **one hydrogen atom**.

4. **Determine the Geometry**:
- The phosphorus atom is surrounded by four groups (two OH groups, one double-bonded oxygen, and one hydrogen).
- Since there are no lone pairs on the phosphorus atom, the geometry around phosphorus is **tetrahedral**.

5. **Evaluate the Statements**:
- **Statement 1**: "The phosphorus atom is surrounded by three OH groups." - **False** (There are only two OH groups).
- **Statement 2**: "The phosphorus atom is tetrahedral and is surrounded by two OH groups, one oxygen atom, and one hydrogen atom." - **True** (This accurately describes the structure).
- **Statement 3**: "The phosphorus atom is surrounded by four OH groups." - **False** (There are only two OH groups).
- **Statement 4**: "The phosphorus atom is surrounded by two hydrogen atoms." - **False** (There is only one hydrogen atom).

6. **Conclusion**:
The only correct statement is the second one, which accurately describes the arrangement and geometry of the H₃PO₃ molecule.

### Final Answer:
The correct statement about the H₃PO₃ molecule is:
- The phosphorus atom is tetrahedral and is surrounded by two OH groups, one oxygen atom, and one hydrogen atom.