What is Hypophosphorous acid?
'''Hypophosphorous acid''', also known as '''phosphinic acid''', is a [[chemical compound]]. It is an [[acid]]. It contains [[hydrogen]] and [[hypophosphite]] [[ion]]s. Its chemical formula is H<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>2</sub>. == Properties == It is a colorless solid. It can absorb water to make an oily liquid. It is a weak acid. It reacts with [[base (chemistry)|bases]] to make hypophosphite salts such as [[sodium hypophosphite]]. It is a powerful [[reducing agent]]. It breaks down when heated into [[phosphine]] and [[phosphorous acid]]. == Preparation == It is made by [[protonation]] of hypophosphites. == Uses == It can be used as a reducing agent. It is also used to make [[medicine]]s. It can be used to make illegal [[drug]]s, which is why it is [[wikt:restrict|restricted]]. It is used to plate metal on objects without using [[electroplating]]. == Related pages == *[[Phosphoric acid]] *[[Phosphorus]] [[Category:Phosphorus compounds]]