H3PO2 is called hypophosphorous acid or phosphinic acid.
Hypophosphorous acid (H3PO2), also known as phosphinic acid, is a phosphorus oxyacid. It is a strong reducing agent. The structure includes one phosphorus-hydrogen (P-H) bond and one phosphorus-hydroxyl (P-OH) bond, which are responsible for its reducing properties.
Here's a breakdown:
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Hypophosphorous Acid (HPA): This is the more common name. It's derived from the naming conventions for oxyacids of phosphorus. 'Hypo-' indicates a lower oxidation state of phosphorus compared to phosphorous acid (H3PO3) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4).
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Phosphinic Acid: This is the IUPAC name. IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) nomenclature provides a systematic naming system for chemical compounds.
Because of its reducing capabilities, hypophosphorous acid has a number of uses. It is used in electroless nickel plating, in the synthesis of various phosphinate salts, and as a reducing agent in chemical reactions. Its salts, called hypophosphites, are also used in some pharmaceutical preparations.
