The oxidation states of P atom in `POCl_3 ,H_2 PO_3` and `H_4 P_2 O_6` , respectively, are

Options

A. `+5, +4 , +4`
B. `+5, +5, +4`
C. `+4, +4 , +4`
D. `+3, +4 , +5`

Explanation

To determine the oxidation states of phosphorus (P) in the compounds \( POCl_3 \), \( H_2PO_3 \), and \( H_4P_2O_6 \), we will analyze each compound step by step.

### Step 1: Determine the oxidation state of P in \( POCl_3 \)

1. Let the oxidation state of phosphorus be \( x \).
2. The oxidation states of chlorine (Cl) is -1, and there are 3 chlorine atoms, contributing a total of -3.
3. The oxidation state of oxygen (O) is -2, contributing a total of -2.
4. The overall charge of the molecule is 0.

The equation can be set up as follows:
\[ x + (-3) + (-2) = 0 \]
Simplifying this gives:
\[ x - 5 = 0 \implies x = +5 \]

### Step 2: Determine the oxidation state of P in \( H_2PO_3 \)

1. Let the oxidation state of phosphorus be \( x \).
2. The oxidation state of hydrogen (H) is +1, and there are 2 hydrogen atoms, contributing a total of +2.
3. The oxidation state of oxygen (O) is -2, and there are 3 oxygen atoms, contributing a total of -6.
4. The overall charge of the molecule is 0.

The equation can be set up as follows:
\[ 2 + x + (-6) = 0 \]
Simplifying this gives:
\[ x - 4 = 0 \implies x = +4 \]

### Step 3: Determine the oxidation state of P in \( H_4P_2O_6 \)

1. Let the oxidation state of phosphorus be \( x \).
2. The oxidation state of hydrogen (H) is +1, and there are 4 hydrogen atoms, contributing a total of +4.
3. The oxidation state of oxygen (O) is -2, and there are 6 oxygen atoms, contributing a total of -12.
4. The overall charge of the molecule is 0.

The equation can be set up as follows:
\[ 4 + 2x + (-12) = 0 \]
Simplifying this gives:
\[ 2x - 8 = 0 \implies 2x = 8 \implies x = +4 \]

### Summary of Oxidation States

- The oxidation state of phosphorus in \( POCl_3 \) is **+5**.
- The oxidation state of phosphorus in \( H_2PO_3 \) is **+4**.
- The oxidation state of phosphorus in \( H_4P_2O_6 \) is **+4**.

Thus, the final answer is:
- \( POCl_3 \): +5
- \( H_2PO_3 \): +4
- \( H_4P_2O_6 \): +4