The three important oxidation states of phosphorous are

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– 3, + 3 and + 5

– 3, + 3 and – 5

– 3, + 4 and – 4

– 3, + 3 and + 4

answer is A.

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Detailed Solution

There are five valence electrons on P (3s² 3p³), where only three electrons of p-orbitals involve in bond formation due to inert pair effect. Hence, +3 oxidation state is one of the important oxidation states of phosphorus.
There are five valence electrons on P (3s² 3p³) where all valence electrons involve in bond formation. Hence, +5 oxidation state is also one of the important oxidation states of phosphorus.
There are five valence electrons on P (3s² 3p³) and required only three electrons to achieve a noble gas configuration. Hence, -3 oxidation state is also one of the important oxidation states of phosphorus.

Hence option D is correct.

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