Question

The reaction of white phosphorus with aqueous NaOH gives phosphine along with another phosphorus containing compound. The oxidation states of phosphorus in phosphine and the other product are respectively

• A. Redox reaction; $-3$ and $-5$
• B. Redox reaction; $+3$ and $+5$
• C. Disproportionation reaction; $-3$ and $+1$
• D. Disproportionation reaction; $-3$ and $+3$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The balanced disproportionation reaction involving white phosphorus with aqueous NaOH is

at low concentration of NaOH