kids encyclopedia robot

Hypophosphorous acid facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Hypophosphorous acid, also known as phosphinic acid, is a chemical compound. It is an acid. It contains hydrogen and hypophosphite ions. Its chemical formula is H3PO2.

Properties

It is a colorless solid. It can absorb water to make an oily liquid. It is a weak acid. It reacts with bases to make hypophosphite salts such as sodium hypophosphite. It is a powerful reducing agent. It breaks down when heated into phosphine and phosphorous acid.

Preparation

It is made by protonation of hypophosphites.

Uses

It can be used as a reducing agent. It is also used to make medicines. It can be used to make illegal drugs, which is why it is restricted. It is used to plate metal on objects without using electroplating.

Related pages

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Ácido hipofosforoso para niños

kids search engine
Hypophosphorous acid Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.