Natriumhypofosfiitti

Natriumhypofosfiitti, also known as sodium hypophosphite, is the sodium salt of hypophosphorous acid with the chemical formula NaH₂PO₂. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and alcohol. Natriumhypofosfiitti is a strong reducing agent, meaning it readily donates electrons in chemical reactions. This property makes it valuable in various industrial applications.

One of the primary uses of natriumhypofosfiitti is in electroless plating, particularly for nickel. In this process, it acts as the reducing agent to deposit a layer of nickel onto a substrate without the need for an external electric current. This is widely used for coating metals, plastics, and ceramics to improve corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and appearance.

Beyond electroless plating, natriumhypofosfiitti finds application as a stabilizer in polymers and as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals. It can also be used as a food additive, although its use in this capacity is regulated and subject to specific guidelines. In laboratory settings, it serves as a reagent for various chemical transformations. The compound is typically produced by reacting phosphorus trichloride with sodium hydroxide.