Question
Chemistry Question on Balancing a redox reaction
The reaction P4+3NaOH+3H2O→3NaH2PO2+PH3 is an example of
A
disproportionation reaction
B
neutralization reaction
C
double decomposition reaction
D
pyrolytic reaction
Answer
disproportionation reaction
Explanation
Solution
Given reaction,
P4+3NaOH+3H2O−>3NaH2PO2+PH3
Oxidation state of P in P4=0
Oxidation state of P in PH3=−3
Oxidation state of P in
NaH2PO2=+1
so, P40−>PH3−3+H2PO2−+1
Hence, this reaction is an example of disproportionation reaction. It is a chemical reaction, typically a redox reaction, where a molecule is transformed into two or more dissimilar products.