Sodium hypophosphite

Sodium hypophosphite (NaPO 2 H 2 ) is the sodium salt of hypophosphorous acid and is often encountered as the monohydrate, NaPO 2 H 2 .H 2 O. 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 when heated and produces toxic phosphine gas, causing irritation to the respiratory tract.

Uses

Sodium hypophosphite is mainly used for electroless nickel plating . With this method, a durable nickel-phosphorus film can coat objects with irregular surfaces, and can widely be used ionics, aviation and the petroleum field.

It also can be used as a food additive.

DEA List I status

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration designated sodium hypophosphite as a List I chemical under 21 CFR 1310.02 effective November 17, 2001 , specifically mentioning the compound together with several other salts of hypophosphorous acid.