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Reference.org
Phosphorous acid
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<p>Phosphorous acid (or phosphonic acid) is the <a href="/facts/Compound_(chemistry)/37FXqqtv">compound</a> described by the <a href="/facts/Chemical_formula/hghUtthl">formula</a> H3PO3. It is <a href="/facts/Diprotic/FySU18n1">diprotic</a> (readily ionizes two protons), not <a href="/facts/Triprotic/FySU18n1">triprotic</a> as might be suggested by its formula. Phosphorous acid is an intermediate in the preparation of other phosphorus compounds. Organic derivatives of phosphorous acid, compounds with the formula RPO3H2, are called <a href="/facts/Phosphonic_acids/8mg6nNRP">phosphonic acids</a>. </p>