Question

Strong reducing behaviour of $H_3PO_2$ is due to

• A. presence of one -OH group and two P-H bonds
• B. high electron gain enthalpy of phosphorus
• C. high oxidation state of phosphorus
• D. presence of two -OH groups and one P-H bond

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

presence of one -OH group and two P-H bonds

Answer 2

Strong reducing behavior of $H _{3} PO _{2}$ is due to the presence of one - $OH$ group and two $P - H$ bonds.
The reducing properties of oxyacids of phosphorous are due to the presence of $P - H$ bond. It has high tendency to release protons. Thus exhibits reducing nature.