Question

The reaction of white phosphorus with aqueous NaOH gives phosphine along with another phosphorus containing compound. The reaction type; the oxidation state of phosphorus in phosphine and the other product are respectively

• A. Redox reaction; +3 and +5
• B. Redox reaction; -3 and - 5
• C. Disproportionation reaction; - 3 and +3
• D. Disproportionation reaction; - 3 and +1

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The reaction of white phosphorus with aqueous NaOH gives phosphine along with sodium hydrogen phosphite. It is Disproportionation reaction in which oxidation number of phosphorus is changing from 0 to -3 and +3 as follows $\overset{\text{0}}{\left(\text{P}\right)_{\text{4}}} + \text{NaOH} \left(\text{aq}\right) \rightarrow \overset{- 3}{\left(\text{PH}\right)_{\text{3}}} + \overset{+ 3}{\left(\text{Na}\right)_{\text{2}} \left(\text{HPO}\right)_{\text{3}}}$