White, opaque crystals or powder; pun-
gent saline taste; very deliquescent. Soluble in water
and alcohol; decomposed by heat.
Potassium hypophosphite is used in medicine as an analytical reagent and oxidizing agent. As a reducing agent, it is applied in pharmaceuticals, food, and electroless plating.
Potassium hypophosphite, KH2PO2, white solid, soluble, formed (1) by reaction of hypophosphorous acid and potassium carbonate solution, and then evaporating, (2) by reaction of potassium hydroxide solution and phosphorus on heating (poisonous phosphine gas evolved).
Moderate fire risk, may explode if ground
with chlorates, nitrates, or other strong oxidizing
agents.
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
