What is the formula for phosphite?

Study for the ALEKS Placement Chemistry Exam. Review flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your chemistry exam!

Phosphite is an anion derived from phosphorous acid (H3PO3), and its formula is represented as PO3 with a charge of 3-. This is because phosphite consists of one phosphorus atom and three oxygen atoms, and the entity bears a negative charge of three.

The other options represent different chemical species. The formula PO4(3-) indicates phosphate, which contains an additional oxygen atom compared to phosphite. S2O3(2-) represents thiosulfate, a different anion composed of sulfur and oxygen. MnO4(-) is the permanganate ion, another distinct anion consisting of manganese and oxygen. Thus, the unique composition of PO3(3-) makes it the correct representation for phosphite, confirming that it is the only option expressing this specific chemical species.

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