Product Description:
Phosphorous acid is a colorless solid and inorganic compound that is used primarily as a reducing agent in chemical reactions and to produce phosphite salts. It can also release toxic fumes when heated.
Applications & Uses:
CAS#:
10294-56-1
SYNONYM:
Orthophosphorous acid;Phosphonic acid;Dihydroxyphosphine oxide
FORMULA:
H3PO3
PRODUCT TYPE:
HAZARD:
Corrosive
CATEGORIES:
Acid
,
Inorganic Intermediate
,
Intermediates
,
Raw Material
,
Fertilizer
,
Water Treatment
Technical Specifications
Appearance :
White crystalline solid
Boiling Point, °C :
200
Density, g/cm3 :
1.651
Melting point, °C :
73
Molecular weight, g/mol :
82.00
Odor :
None
Refractive index, n20/D :
1.43
Phosphorous acid is a versatile, high-purity chemical compound known for its excellent reducing properties. It is typically encountered as a crystalline solid, exhibiting a distinctive pungent odor and high solubility in water. Its chemical formula, H₃PO₃, reveals its nature as a diprotic acid with one of the hydrogens directly bonded to phosphorus, making it a valuable intermediate in various chemical processes.
This compound plays a critical role in the agricultural industry, where it is used to manufacture phosphite fertilizers that promote plant health and vitality by enhancing nutrient absorption and resistance to disease. In addition, phosphorous acid serves as an essential precursor in the production of phosphonates, which are widely utilized in water treatment and cleaning products for their ability to sequester metal ions and inhibit scale formation.
In industrial applications, phosphorous acid is a key ingredient in the synthesis of stabilizers, flame retardants, and plastic additives, contributing to the durability and safety of a wide range of materials. Its reducing properties are also harnessed in the chemical manufacturing sector, where it is employed in various reductive aminations and other organic synthesis processes.
With its diverse applications and crucial role in multiple industries, phosphorous acid remains a fundamental compound that supports both innovative industrial solutions and sustainable agricultural practices.