Changing H3PO4 to H3PO3 without P4O6

  • Thread starter Thread starter Char. Limit
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conversion of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) to phosphorous acid (H3PO3) without the use of P4O6. Participants suggest utilizing an electrochemical cell to facilitate the reduction of phosphate to phosphite, referencing standard electrode potentials for guidance. Additionally, the possibility of employing an electrolytic reaction is mentioned as a viable method. The conversation highlights the need for practical laboratory methods using common materials to achieve this chemical transformation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrochemical cells and their components
  • Familiarity with oxidation and reduction reactions
  • Knowledge of standard electrode potentials
  • Basic laboratory skills for conducting chemical reactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the construction and operation of electrochemical cells
  • Study the principles of oxidation-reduction reactions in chemistry
  • Explore the use of electrolytic cells for chemical transformations
  • Investigate the standard electrode potentials for phosphate and phosphite
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, laboratory technicians, and researchers interested in chemical synthesis and electrochemistry.

Char. Limit
Gold Member
Messages
1,222
Reaction score
23
Is there any method, using common laboratory materials, to change phosphoric acid (H3PO4) to phosphorous acid (H3PO3)?

Assume that P4O6 is not available for purchase, but methods to make it are welcome.

This is for a culminating project, so not really homework, but I don't know where else to turn. Even my chemistry teacher doesn't know.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Just another question:

If H3PO3 is a "reducing agent" and H3PO4 is a by-product of the reduction, can an opposite reaction be carried out to yield H3PO3?
 
Does no one om this illustrious forum know?
 
You can probably set up an electrochemical cell (using an appropriate oxidation half reaction) to convert the phosphate to phosphite:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_electrode_potential_(data_page )

(It's about half-way down, search for po4)

EDIT: Or maybe drive the reaction using an electrolytic one.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Excellent...

How should I do that, or should I ask my chemistry teacher?

2,718,282 thanks to you.
 
I came.across a headline and read some of the article, so I was curious. Scientists discover that gold is a 'reactive metal' by accidentally creating a new material in the lab https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-that-gold-is-reactive-metal-by-creating-gold-hydride-in-lab-experiment/ From SLAC - A SLAC team unexpectedly formed gold hydride in an experiment that could pave the way for studying materials under extreme conditions like those found inside certain planets and stars undergoing...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
30K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
13
Views
8K
  • Sticky
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K