White phosphorus reacts with caustic soda to produce PH and NaHPO. The...
Oxidation-Reduction Reaction between White Phosphorus and Caustic Soda
Oxidation-Reduction Reaction
The reaction between white phosphorus and caustic soda is an example of an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction. In this type of reaction, the oxidation state of atoms changes, leading to the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
Reaction Equation
The chemical equation for the reaction between white phosphorus and caustic soda is:
P4 + 6NaOH → 2Na3PO4 + 3H2
In this equation, white phosphorus (P4) reacts with six molecules of caustic soda (NaOH) to produce two molecules of sodium phosphate (Na3PO4) and three molecules of hydrogen gas (H2).
Reduction of Phosphorus
In the reaction, white phosphorus is reduced, i.e., it gains electrons. The oxidation state of phosphorus in white phosphorus is 0, while in sodium phosphate, it is +5. This means that each phosphorus atom in white phosphorus has gained five electrons during the reaction.
Oxidation of Caustic Soda
On the other hand, caustic soda is oxidized, i.e., it loses electrons. The oxidation state of sodium in caustic soda is +1, while in sodium phosphate, it is +1 as well. This means that each sodium atom in caustic soda has lost one electron during the reaction.
Conclusion
Thus, the reaction between white phosphorus and caustic soda is an example of an oxidation-reduction reaction, where white phosphorus is reduced and caustic soda is oxidized. This reaction produces sodium phosphate and hydrogen gas.
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