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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: tamubsa on December 05, 2013, 04:38:14 PM

Title: Redox reaction
Post by: tamubsa on December 05, 2013, 04:38:14 PM

In the reaction PCl3 + 3H2O ----- 3HCl + H3PO4, which element/atom is being reduced? I know it's a redox reaction because the phosphorus is being oxidized, which makes PCl3 the reducing agent. But none of the other elements got their oxidation number changed.

Title: Re: Redox reaction
Post by: Corribus on December 05, 2013, 05:08:37 PM

Your first difficulty stems from the fact that your equation is not balanced.  You're missing something.

Title: Re: Redox reaction
Post by: opsomath on December 06, 2013, 11:38:12 AM

Your equation is incorrect; that is not the product of reacting phosphorus trichloride and water.