Chemical Properties
white crystalline powder or colourless crystals
Uses
Pharmaceuticals, reducing agent in electrode-
less nickel plating of plastics and metals, lab
reagent, substitute for sodium nitrite in smoked
meats.
Reactions
Sodium hypophosphite, NaH2PO2 · H2O, white solid, soluble, formed (1) by reaction of hypophosphorous acid and sodium carbonate solution, and then evaporating, (2) by reaction of NaOH solution and phosphorus on heating (poisonous phosphine gas evolved).
Hazard
Explosion risk when mixed with strong oxi-
dizing agents, decomposes to phosphine on heating,
store in cool, dry place, away from oxidizing mate-
rials.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
Safety Profile
Poison by subcutaneous route. Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route. Flammable when exposed to heat or flame. Aqueous solutions may explode on evaporation. Potentially explosive reaction with oxidants (e.g., chlorates, nitrates). Heat causes it to evolve phosphne. It can explode. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of POx and Na2O. See also PHOSPHINE
