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Which oxyacid of phosphorus contains phosphorus in its lowest oxidation state?

1. Hypophosphorous acid
2. Orthophosphoric acid
3. Pyrophosphoric acid
4. Metaphosphoric acid

Correct answer: Hypophosphorous acid

Solution

In hypophosphorous acid (H3PO2) phosphorus is in the +1 state, lower than +3 (phosphorous acid) and +5 (ortho/pyro/meta phosphoric acids). So hypophosphorous acid has P in its lowest common oxidation state.

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