Question:medium

$PCl_3$ reacts with water to form

Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • $PH_3$
  • $H_3PO_3, HCl$
  • $POCl_3$
  • $H_3PO_4$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To determine the products formed when PCl_3 reacts with water, we need to understand the chemical reaction involved. PCl_3 (phosphorus trichloride) is a well-known reagent that reacts with water in a hydrolysis reaction. The chemical reaction can be represented as follows:

\[ PCl_3 + 3H_2O \rightarrow H_3PO_3 + 3HCl \]

Explanation:

  1. Reactants: In the given reaction, the initial reactant is phosphorus trichloride (PCl_3) which reacts with water (H_2O).
  2. Products: Upon hydrolysis, PCl_3 gets converted into phosphorous acid (H_3PO_3) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
    • H_3PO_3 is a diprotic acid, also known as phosphonic acid.
    • HCl is a strong acid which is also formed during this reaction.

By analyzing the options provided:

  • PH_3: This is phosphine gas and is not formed in this reaction.
  • Correct Answer: H_3PO_3, HCl: As derived from the balanced chemical equation, these are the products of the reaction.
  • POCl_3: This is phosphorus oxychloride; it is not formed in this reaction.
  • H_3PO_4: This is phosphoric acid and is not the product of this particular reaction.

Thus, the correct answer is that PCl_3 reacts with water to form H_3PO_3 and HCl.

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