 Sodium hypophosphite | |
| Identifiers | |
|---|---|
3D model (JSmol) | |
| ChemSpider | |
| UNII | |
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| Properties | |
| H2O2P− | |
| Molar mass | 64.988 g·mol−1 |
| Related compounds | |
Related compounds | phosphite;phosphine oxide |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Phosphinates orhypophosphites are a class ofphosphorus compounds conceptually based on the structure ofhypophosphorous acid.IUPAC prefers the term phosphinate in all cases, however in practice hypophosphite is usually used to describe inorganic species (e.g.sodium hypophosphite), while phosphinate typically refers toorganophosphorus species.
Thehypophosphiteion is(H
2PO
2)−
. The salts are prepared by heating white phosphorus in warm aqueous alkali e.g. Ca(OH)2:[1]
Hypophosphites arereducing agents:[1]
Hypophosphites are used inelectroless nickel plating as the reducing agent to deposit for example Ni metal from Ni salts.[1] The hypophosphite ion is thermodynamically unstable, anddisproportionates on heating tophosphine andphosphatesalts:
Hypophosphite (usually sodium hypophosphite) acts as a reducing agent to deposit nickel onto surfaces without using electricity. Common in electronics, automotive, and aerospace industries for corrosion resistance and hardness. Some hypophosphite compounds are used in medicines, particularly as sources of phosphorus or as stabilizers in formulations.
In polymer and plastic stabilization, they are used today as antioxidants and thermal stabilizers to prevent degradation during the processing of plastics like PVC. Beyond nickel plating, hypophosphites are used in general chemical synthesis where a mild reducing agent is needed.
Additionally, inwood science, sodium hypophosphite in combination with other agents, such as ammonium-, nitrogen- or aluminium-containing chemicals, has been used for in solid wood and particleboard to improve the fire retarding properties.[2][3]