Question

What is the structural formula for Phosphinic acid?

Answer 1

Structural formula of any compound is the graphical representation of the compound’s molecular structure. It shows how atoms are possibly arranged in three-dimensional space. It also shows the chemical bonding within the molecule.

Complete answer: Phosphinic acid also called Hypophosphorous acid contains a phosphorus atom covalently bound to two hydrogen atoms, a hydroxyl group and one oxygen atom. It is also called phosphorous oxoacid.
The molecular formula of phosphinic acid is ${H_3}P{O_2}$. To get the structural formula we will simply create a graphical representation of the molecular formula. Hence the structural formula of phosphinic acid is:

Additional Information:
Phosphinic acid acts as a powerful reducing agent. It is a colourless compound and has a low melting point. It is soluble in water, dioxane and alcohols. The molecular formula of phosphinic acid can also be written in a more descriptive way as $HOP(O){H_2}$. Phosphinic acid is a conjugate acid of phosphinate. Salts obtained from phosphinic acid are called hypophosphites. It has a primary use in the electroless nickel plating.

Note:
When writing the structural formula, first try to write its molecular formula in a descriptive way as it will tell you how elements are linked with each other. This descriptive formula is also called condensed structural formula.
In the structural formula, the number of short lines indicate whether the bond is a single, double, or triple covalent bond. One small line indicates a single bond, two small lines indicate double bonds and three small lines indicate triple bonds.