In: Chemistry
What is the oxidation state of the phosphorus atom in phosphite, PO33-?
Phosphite ion is PO33-
It constitutes of phosphorus P and oxygen O and the overall charge or oxidation number of phosphite ion is -3
Oxidation number of O3 is 3*(-2) = -6. Oxygen exists in -2 oxidation state.
So, P + (-6) = -3
On solving P = +3
So, oxidation state of phosphorus in phosphite ion is +3