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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
The number of P-OH bonds and the oxidation state of phosphorus atom in pyrophosphoric acid H4P2O7, respectively are:
Chemistryp Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18)JEE MainJEE Main 2017 (09 Apr Online)
Options:
  • A Five and four.
  • B Four and five.
  • C Five and five.
  • D Four and four.
Solution:
1529 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: Four and five.

As we can clearly see in the structure,

the number of POH bonds is 4.

The oxygen is an electronegative element and will always carry a negative charge. Now, it depends on its surrounding atoms about what charge it carries. In case of a hydroxyl group, the hydrogen carries a +1 charge. So, the opposite charge generated on the oxygen atom along with magnitude will be -1.
In the case of only oxygen atoms, we know that the oxidation number of oxygen is equal to -2. So, the charge generated on the adjacent atom of oxygen will be +2.
Thus, the oxidation state of phosphorus atom will be generated because of:
Oxidation state on phosphorous = [2×(POH)+(1×=O)+(1×O)] oxidation states

Thus, the oxidation state of both the phosphorus atoms will be:
PO.S=2×(+1)+1×(+2)+1×(+1)=+5

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