The number of hydrogen atom(s) attached to phosphorus atom in hypophosphorous acid is
(A)zero
(B)two✓ Correct
(C)one
(D)three
Answer: (B)
Solution
Hypophosphorous acid is HX3POX2, and its structure decides the count. Drawn out, the phosphorus carries one P=O, one P−OH and two direct P−H bonds. Only the hydrogen of the −OH is ionisable, but the question asks for hydrogens bonded straight to phosphorus, and there are two of those.
JEE Main · 2005 · 08 May 2005 · Offline · Single correct option