What is Sodium hypophosphite?
[[File:Sodium hypophosphite.png|thumb|Drawing of sodium hypophosphite]] '''Sodium hypophosphite''' is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is NaH<sub>2</sub>PO<sub>2</sub>. It contains [[sodium]] and [[hypophosphite]] [[ion]]s. ==Properties== 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== It is made by heating white [[phosphorus]] in [[sodium hydroxide]] solution. This makes phosphine gas and sodium hypophosphite. ==Uses== It is used for [[nickel]] plating without doing [[electrolysis]]. ==Related pages== *[[Phosphorus]] *[[Phosphate]] *[[Hypochlorite]] {{chem-stub}} [[Category:Phosphorus compounds]] [[Category:Sodium compounds]]