Question

Which of the following is a property of phosphine?

(a) It is insoluble in water

(b) It is inflammable

(c) The solution of phosphine in water decomposes in the presence of light

(d) It acts as a Lewis acid

I got this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.

Question is taken from P-Block Elements in portion P-Block Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct answer is (c) The solution of phosphine in water decomposes in the presence of light

The explanation is: Phosphine is slightly soluble in water and is non-flammable in pure form. It is a Lewis base and the solution of phosphine in water decomposes in the presence of light giving red phosphorous and hydrogen gas.