Why Does H3PO2 Have a Basicity of 1?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the basicity of H3PO2 (hypophosphorous acid) and why it is classified as having a basicity of 1, despite having three hydrogen atoms. Participants explore the definitions and implications of basicity in relation to different acids, particularly comparing H3PO2 with H3PO3 (phosphorous acid).

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the basicity of H3PO2, stating that it should be 3 based on the number of replaceable hydrogen atoms.
  • Another participant suggests that the confusion arises from mixing up H3PO2 with H3PO3, which has a different basicity.
  • A third participant clarifies that H3PO2 has two hydrogen atoms attached to phosphorus, which may explain its lower basicity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the basicity of H3PO2, with no consensus reached on the reasons behind its classification as having a basicity of 1.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the definitions of basicity and how they apply to different acids, particularly in distinguishing between H3PO2 and H3PO3. The discussion does not resolve these ambiguities.

Saitama
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Basicity is 1??

I was studying about Volumetric Analysis. In the chapter, there is a table which shows basicity of some acids. One is H3PO2. Its basicity is given as 1. But basicity of an acid is number of replacable hydrogen atoms present in one molecule of acid. So, bascitiy of H3PO2 should be 3. But that's not true according to book. It is 1. :confused:
 
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Pranav-Arora said:
I was studying about Volumetric Analysis. In the chapter, there is a table which shows basicity of some acids. One is H3PO2. Its basicity is given as 1. But basicity of an acid is number of replacable hydrogen atoms present in one molecule of acid. So, bascitiy of H3PO2 should be 3. But that's not true according to book. It is 1. :confused:

You'd be right if you were talking about H3PO3. :smile:
 


epenguin said:
You'd be right if you were talking about H3PO3. :smile:

But why is its basicity 1?:confused:
 


It looks like you are just confusing phosphoric acid where 3 H's are attached via O with hyopophorous acid where two H's are attached to P.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypophosphorous_acid

You are a lot less likely to ever meet the second, you are full enough of the first and esters and anhydrides of it in a very dynamic state.
 

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