Question

The oxidation state of phosphorus in cyclotrimetaphosphoric acid is

• A. +3
• B. +5
• C. -3
• D. +2

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Formula of cyclotrimetaphosphoric acid is $(HP{O}_3{)}_3$
Oxidation state of ‘P’ is $3(+1+x+3(-2))=0$
$x+-6+1=0\Rightarrow x=+5$