Sodium hypophosphite

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Drawing of sodium hypophosphite

Sodium hypophosphite is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is NaH2PO2. It contains sodium and hypophosphite ions.

Properties[change | change source]

It is a white solid. It is a strong reducing agent. When it is heated, it produces phosphine gas and sodium phosphite. It is quite poisonous. It can be oxidized to sodium phosphate.

Preparation[change | change source]

It is made by heating white phosphorus in sodium hydroxide solution. This makes phosphine gas and sodium hypophosphite.

Uses[change | change source]

It is used for nickel plating without doing electrolysis.

Related pages[change | change source]