Understanding Compound Naming: H3PO3(aq)

What is the correct name for the compound H3PO3(aq)?

a) Hydrogen phosphorus trioxide

b) Hydrogen phosphite

c) Phosphoric acid

d) Phosphorous acid

Answer:

The correct name for the compound H3PO3(aq) is phosphorous acid.

The compound H3PO3(aq), also known as phosphorous acid, is composed of hydrogen and the phosphate group. The name reflects the composition of the compound and the oxidation state of phosphorus.

In chemical compound naming, suffixes like '-ite' or '-ate' are used to indicate the oxidation state of the elements or groups in the compound. 'Ate' denotes a higher oxidation state, while 'ite' suggests a lower one. In the case of phosphorus in H3PO3, it is in a lower oxidation state, hence the '-ite' ending in phosphite.

Therefore, the correct and most accurate name for H3PO3 is phosphorous acid, emphasizing the presence of hydrogen and the phosphate group with the appropriate oxidation state of phosphorus.