What is the oxidation state of Phosphorus (P) in Barium hypophosphite, ? — Redox Reactions and Volumetric Analysis Chemistry Question
Question
What is the oxidation state of Phosphorus (P) in Barium hypophosphite, $Ba(H_2PO_2)_2$?
Answer: 1
💡 Solution & Explanation
Barium is an alkaline earth metal with a fixed +2 state. Therefore, the hypophosphite ion is $H_2PO_2^-$. Let the O.S. of P be x. $2(+1) + x + 2(-2) = -1 \Rightarrow x + 2 - 4 = -1 \Rightarrow x - 2 = -1 \Rightarrow x = +1$.
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