Hypophosphorous acid is primarily used for electroless nickel plating. It is involved in the reduction of arenediazonium salts. It acts as an additive in Fischer esterification reactions. Also, it serves as a neutralizing agent, antioxidant, catalyst in polymerization and poly condensation, and wetting agent. Further, it is used in the formulation of pharmaceuticals, discoloration of polymers, water treatment and retrieval of precious or non-ferrous metals. In addition to this, it is used as bleaching agents for plastics, synthetic fibers, decolorizing agent and for color stabilization during the manufacture of chemicals and several plastics.
