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Phosphorous acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
H3PO3
CAS number
13598-36-2
IUPAC name
phosphenous acid
State
State

At room temperature, phosphorous acid is a solid. It is often encountered as colorless or white crystals that can sometimes appear slightly translucent, maintaining their solid state unless exposed to humid conditions which can cause deliquescence.

Melting point (Celsius)
73.60
Melting point (Kelvin)
346.75
Boiling point (Celsius)
200.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
473.15
General information
Molecular weight
82.00g/mol
Molar mass
82.0000g/mol
Density
1.6510g/cm3
Appearence

Phosphorous acid appears as a white crystalline solid. It is deliquescent, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air and dissolve in it, leading to a sticky and wet appearance when exposed to atmospheric conditions. The crystals have a slightly sour or acidic taste, and they emit a garlic-like odor when heated or decomposed.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Phosphenous Acid

Phosphenous acid, or H3PO3, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are noteworthy for both research and practical applications. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Highly Soluble in Water: Phosphenous acid is a colorless, odorless liquid that is readily soluble in water, making it accessible for various chemical reactions.
  • Temperature Dependence: Its solubility can increase with temperature, common for many acids, facilitating various laboratory processes.
  • Reactivity Considerations: While soluble, it should be noted that phosphenous acid can potentially react with strong oxidizers, which may affect its behavior in solution.
  • pH Impact: Being a weak acid, the pH of its aqueous solution is typically lower than neutral, influencing the solubility of other compounds in the solution as well.

In summary, the solubility of phosphenous acid in water is a defining feature, playing a crucial role in its applications and interactions within chemical systems. This property illustrates the importance of understanding solubility for effective utilization in various chemical processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Phosphenous Acid

Phosphenous acid, also known as hypophosphorous acid, is a fascinating compound with unique properties and a diverse range of applications. Here are some key insights:

  • Chemical Nature: Phosphenous acid is an acidic compound with the molecular formula that contains phosphorus, oxygen, and hydrogen. It is often used as a reducing agent in various chemical reactions.
  • Applications: This compound plays a crucial role in the synthesis of phosphines, which are vital in organophosphorus chemistry. It's also employed in the production of certain pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
  • Biological Relevance: Phosphenous acid is of interest in biochemical studies. It acts as a source of phosphorus, which is essential for cellular functions and the synthesis of nucleic acids.
  • Safety and Handling: While phosphenous acid is generally considered less toxic than many phosphorous compounds, it still requires careful handling. Proper safety measures should be observed to avoid irritation and harm.

In conclusion, phosphenous acid is not only an intriguing compound for chemists but also an important substance in various fields, bridging chemistry, biology, and industry. Its role as a reducing agent and in the synthesis of more complex molecules underscores its significance. The study and application of phosphenous acid continue to evolve, making it a compound worthy of further exploration!

Synonyms
phosphenous acid
DTXSID4043808
DTXCID2023808
14097-15-5
nocas_43808
Hypophosphite ion
Phosphinate
Hypophosphorus acid
HOPO
hydroxyphosphanone
Phosphinic acid, ion(1-)
15460-68-1
UNII-238U65NZ04
NSC-41904
238U65NZ04
UNII-6A37X7BT86
EINECS 270-204-4
EINECS 270-206-5
hydroxidooxidophosphorus
dihydridodioxophosphate(1-)
dihydridodioxidophosphate(1-)
[P(O)OH]
CHEMBL2105054
CHEBI:29198
CHEBI:36363
DTXSID50165673
DTXSID60153329
ACVYVLVWPXVTIT-UHFFFAOYSA-M
6A37X7BT86
NSC41904
PH2O2(-)
Hypophosphorous Acid, Phosphinic Acid
[PH2O2](-)
Phosphinic acid, for synthesis, 49.5-50.5%
Q3305467
Q27116796
Q27117120
Phosphinic acid, puriss. p.a., 49.5-50.5% (alkalimetric)
Phosphinic acid, puriss., meets analytical specification of NF, 30-32%