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Chapter 20: Problem 51

Phosphoric acid \(\left(\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{PO}_{4}\right)\) is a triprotic acid, phosphorous acid \(\left(\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{PO}_{3}\right)\) is a diprotic acid, and hypophosphorous acid \(\left(\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{PO}_{2}\right)\) is a monoprotic acid. Explain this phenomenon.

Short Answer

Expert verified
In conclusion, phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) is a triprotic acid because it has three hydrogen atoms bound to oxygen atoms, which can be donated as H⁺ ions. Phosphorous acid (H₃PO₃) is a diprotic acid because it has two hydrogen atoms bound to oxygen atoms, which can be donated as H⁺ ions, and the third hydrogen atom is directly bonded to the phosphorus atom and is not acidic. Hypophosphorous acid (H₃PO₂) is a monoprotic acid because it has only one hydrogen atom bound to an oxygen atom, which can be donated as an H⁺ ion, and the other two hydrogen atoms are directly bonded to the phosphorus atom and are not acidic.

Step by step solution

01

An acid is a compound that donates hydrogen ion (H⁺) in a solution. The number of hydrogen ions that an acid can donate determines its classification: - Monoprotic acid: An acid that can donate one hydrogen ion (H⁺). - Diprotic acid: An acid that can donate two hydrogen ions (H⁺). - Triprotic acid: An acid that can donate three hydrogen ions (H⁺). #Step 2: Analyzing Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄)#

The structure of phosphoric acid is as follows: \(H_3PO_4: H - P(=O)(-OH)_2\) In phosphoric acid, there are three hydrogen atoms bound to oxygen atoms. These hydrogen atoms can be donated as H⁺ ions. Therefore, phosphoric acid is a triprotic acid, as it can donate three hydrogen ions. #Step 3: Analyzing Phosphorous Acid (H₃PO₃)#
02

The structure of phosphorous acid is as follows: \(H_3PO_3: H - P(=O)(-OH)(-H_2O)\) In phosphorous acid, there are only two hydrogen atoms bound to oxygen atoms. These hydrogen atoms can be donated as H⁺ ions. The third hydrogen atom is directly bonded to the phosphorus atom and is not acidic. Therefore, phosphorous acid is a diprotic acid, as it can donate two hydrogen ions. #Step 4: Analyzing Hypophosphorous Acid (H₃PO₂)#

The structure of hypophosphorous acid is as follows: \(H_3PO_2: H - P(-OH)(-H_2O)_2\) In hypophosphorous acid, there is only one hydrogen atom bound to an oxygen atom. This hydrogen atom can be donated as an H⁺ ion. The other two hydrogen atoms are directly bonded to the phosphorus atom and are not acidic. Therefore, hypophosphorous acid is a monoprotic acid, as it can donate one hydrogen ion. In conclusion, the phenomenon of these acids being classified as triprotic, diprotic, and monoprotic can be explained by analyzing their structures and identifying the number of hydrogen atoms that can be donated as H⁺ ions.

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