As discussed in A Word About . . . Ethylene on pp. 98-99, 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid, ClCH2CH2PO(OH)2, is

Question:

As discussed in "A Word About . . . Ethylene" on pp. 98-99, 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid, ClCH2CH2PO(OH)2, is a commercially synthesized compound that is used for inducing the ripening of fruit.
a. Write a balanced equation for the conversion of ClCH2CH2PO(OH)2 with water to form ethylene, chloride, and phosphate.
b. Which functional group in 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid is responsible for its water solubility?