The reaction of white phosphorus with aqueous NaOH gives phosphine along with another phosphorus-containing compound. The reaction type, the oxidation states of phosphorus in phosphine and the other product are respectively:
redox reaction;+3and+5
disproportionation reaction;and+5
disproportionation reaction;and+3
redox reaction;and
Solution:
P₄ + 3NaOH + 3H₂O → PH₃ + 3NaH₂PO₂ The salt NaH₂PO₂ undergoes the following changes on heating.