Question

In which species does phosphorous have the highest oxidation number?

Answer 1

the compounds in which phosphorous posses the highest possible oxidation have to mention here.

The species in which phosphorous have the highest oxidation state are: H₃PO₄, P₂O₅, PCl₅

The possible oxidation state of phosphorous is III and V. The highest oxidation state is V. There are several compounds in which phosphorous posses the +5 oxidation state. Like- Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), phosphorous pentoxide (P₂O₅), Phosphorous chloride (PCl₅) etc.

The oxidation state of an element depends upon the valence electron the valence shell of phosphorous is 3s² 3p³. Thus there are 5 electrons, as it has vacant 3d orbital thus it can easily form compound having +5 oxidation state.