Characteristic

 

Sodium hypophosphite (NaPO₂H₂, also known as sodium phosphinate) is the sodium salt of hypophosphorous acid and is often encountered as the monohydrate, NaPO2H2·H2O. It is a solid at room temperature, appearing as odorless white crystals. It is soluble in water, and easily absorbs moisture from the air.Sodium hypophosphite should be kept in a cool, dry place, isolated from oxidizing materials. It decomposes into phosphine which is irritating to the respiratory tract and disodium phosphate.

Chemical formula:H₄NaO₃P

Molar mass: 87.98 g/mol (anhydrous);105.99 g/mol (monohydrate)

Appearance: white solid

Density: 0.8 g/cm³ (monohydrate)

Melting point: 310 °C (590 °F; 583 K) (monohydrate)

Solubility in water:soluble

 

Application

 

Sodium hypophosphite monohydrate is used for electroless nickel plating agent and water treatment agent. It is also used in petroleum fields. Further, it is used as a food additive. In addition, it reduces nickel ions in solution to metallic nickel on metal substrates as well as on plastic substrates.