CAS number 10039-56-2 identifies Sodium Hypophosphite Monohydrate.
Understanding CAS Numbers
A CAS Registry Number (often referred to simply as a CAS number) is a unique numerical identifier for chemical elements, compounds, polymers, biological sequences, mixtures, and alloys. Assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), a division of the American Chemical Society, these numbers provide a universal and unambiguous way to identify chemical substances, regardless of varying nomenclature or regional differences. This system is crucial for global trade, regulatory compliance, and scientific research, ensuring that a specific chemical can always be precisely identified.
What is Sodium Hypophosphite Monohydrate?
Sodium Hypophosphite Monohydrate, identified by CAS number 10039-56-2, is an inorganic salt with the chemical formula NaH₂PO₂·H₂O. It is the monohydrate form of sodium hypophosphite, meaning each molecule of sodium hypophosphite is associated with one molecule of water. It typically appears as a white crystalline solid.
Key Characteristics
Sodium Hypophosphite Monohydrate is primarily recognized as a powerful reducing agent, making it valuable in various industrial applications.
Here's a quick overview of its fundamental properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 10039-56-2 |
| Chemical Name | Sodium Hypophosphite Monohydrate |
| Chemical Formula | NaH₂PO₂·H₂O |
| Type of Compound | Inorganic Salt |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Key Property | Strong reducing agent |
Common Applications and Uses
The versatility of Sodium Hypophosphite Monohydrate stems from its reducing capabilities. It finds extensive use across several industries:
- Electroless Plating: This is one of its most significant applications. It serves as the primary reducing agent in electroless nickel plating (ENP) processes, where it deposits a nickel-phosphorus alloy coating onto various substrates (metals, plastics, ceramics) without the need for an external electric current. This coating provides excellent corrosion resistance, hardness, and wear resistance.
- Chemical Intermediate: It acts as a raw material or reactant in the synthesis of other chemicals, particularly in the production of hypophosphorous acid and its derivatives.
- Antioxidant/Stabilizer: Due to its reducing nature, it can be used as an antioxidant to prevent oxidation in certain formulations and as a stabilizer in various solutions.
- Pharmaceuticals: In some pharmaceutical applications, it may be used as a reducing agent or as a component in certain formulations.
- Water Treatment: Occasionally, it is employed in water treatment processes, though less common than other agents.
Safety and Handling
Like many chemical substances, Sodium Hypophosphite Monohydrate requires careful handling. It is generally considered a low-hazard substance under normal conditions but can decompose at high temperatures, potentially releasing flammable phosphine gas. Proper ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to safety data sheet (SDS) guidelines are essential when working with this compound.
For more detailed information, one can refer to comprehensive chemical databases like PubChem, which provides extensive data on chemical substances including Sodium Hypophosphite Monohydrate, linking directly to its CAS number 10039-56-2.
