Sodium Hypophosphite SHPP Phosphinic acid sodium salt CAS 7681-53-0

Tree Chem supplies Sodium Hypophosphite (CAS 7681-53-0) for customers seeking to purchase a stable and efficient reducing agent for surface treatment, chemical processing, and related industrial applications. The product is manufactured under controlled conditions to ensure high purity, low metal impurities, and good solubility performance.

Sodium Hypophosphite is commonly used in electroless nickel plating as a reducing agent, as well as in phosphorus-containing chemical synthesis and water treatment formulations. Tree Chem provides consistent quality and professional export packaging to meet international supply requirements. Contact info@cntreechem.com for technical or commercial support.

Specification

Basic Information

Technical Specification

Applications

Electroless Nickel Plating (Primary Reducing Agent)

• Sodium hypophosphite is the mainstream reducing agent used in electroless nickel (EN) plating, enabling autocatalytic deposition without external current and supporting uniform Ni–P coatings on complex geometries. In typical EN systems, sodium hypophosphite drives nickel ion reduction while simultaneously contributing to phosphorus incorporation, which is a key lever for corrosion resistance, hardness, and deposit structure control in Ni–P coatings.
• In practical bath management, sodium hypophosphite concentration is tightly linked to deposition rate, bath stability, and byproduct build-up (phosphite). The nickel-to-hypophosphite molar ratio is treated as a core control parameter, and consumption is significant during operation, so replenishment planning is essential for stable thickness growth and consistent phosphorus content.
• Sodium hypophosphite also supports “high-phosphorus” EN baths that target non-magnetic, amorphous deposits, which are valuable where magnetic interference or variability is unacceptable. These operating windows typically require tighter pH and temperature control, and the hypophosphite level is deliberately increased to push deposit phosphorus content upward while sustaining stable reaction kinetics.

PCB, Electronics Surface Finishing, and Semiconductor-Adjacent Uses

• In electronics manufacturing, sodium hypophosphite is used in chemical nickel surface finishing that improves solderability and electrical interface reliability for PCB and connector applications. It supports consistent Ni–P barrier layers that help protect base metals and stabilize contact performance across assembly, reflow, and service conditions.
• In PCB-focused baths, sodium hypophosphite is paired with complexing agents and buffering systems to deliver controlled deposition in narrow pH/temperature windows, balancing rate, uniformity, and bath stability. This is particularly relevant when the plated nickel layer must integrate smoothly with downstream processes such as immersion gold or other finishing sequences where surface quality and micro-roughness matter.
• For higher-demand electronic contexts, grade selection becomes more critical, with attention to impurity limits, moisture control, and consistency that influence bath cleanliness and defect rates. Sodium hypophosphite’s role is therefore not only “chemical reduction,” but also “process repeatability,” especially where yields and defect avoidance drive real manufacturing costs.

Automotive, Aerospace, and General Engineering Coatings

• Sodium hypophosphite-enabled electroless nickel plating is widely used to build wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant coatings on components exposed to friction, heat, fuels, and corrosive environments. Automotive components such as wear-prone engine and fuel-system parts benefit from Ni–P coatings that improve durability and help stabilize performance under cyclical mechanical stress.
• In aerospace and other high-performance sectors, electroless Ni–P deposits are applied to lightweight alloys and precision parts where uniform thickness and controlled deposit structure are essential. Sodium hypophosphite supports the deposition chemistry that allows complex shapes and internal surfaces to be coated more uniformly than many current-driven plating approaches.
• In chemical processing and industrial equipment protection, Ni–P coatings help shield pumps, valves, pipelines, and heat-exchange components from corrosive media. Sodium hypophosphite helps maintain coating formation under controlled conditions so that corrosion resistance and thickness targets can be met with fewer rework cycles and less variability.

Composite Plating, Alloy Plating, and Selective Plating Technologies

• Sodium hypophosphite supports composite electroless plating where Ni–P is codeposited with functional particles such as diamond, silicon carbide, PTFE, or ceramic fillers to deliver higher hardness, improved wear resistance, lubricity, or thermal barrier effects. In these systems, hypophosphite-driven chemistry must remain stable while solids are suspended and transported to the surface, so process control and bath stability become central to performance.
• In alloy EN systems, sodium hypophosphite is used in deposition chemistries that extend Ni–P into more specialized compositions such as nickel–cobalt–phosphorus, nickel–iron–phosphorus, nickel–tungsten–phosphorus, and other tailored coatings. These are chosen based on targeted magnetic behavior, corrosion resistance, high-temperature performance, or electronic-function needs.
• Selective plating is another strong fit: sodium hypophosphite enables localized deposition on catalytic areas without electrical connections, which is useful for patterned surfaces, localized repair, and coating of intricate assemblies. This expands its value beyond “bulk plating,” supporting precision manufacturing and maintenance workflows.

Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemical Synthesis (Reducing Agent and Process Utility)

• Sodium hypophosphite is used in pharmaceutical and fine-chemical synthesis as a mild, selective reducing agent that can support transformations such as reductions of nitro groups, carbonyls, and sulfoxides under controlled conditions. Its usefulness is tied to selectivity and process friendliness, making it a practical choice when harsh reducing systems would create side reactions or difficult workups.
• Beyond direct reductions, sodium hypophosphite is used in reductive amination contexts to form C–N bonds, supporting synthesis routes where controlled reduction is required after imine formation. These applications emphasize reproducible reaction control, appropriate equivalents, solvent choice, and thermal management to maintain yield and selectivity.
• Sodium hypophosphite also participates in catalyst-enabled synthesis pathways, including palladium-catalyzed transformations used to access organophosphorus products such as diarylphosphonates, as well as nickel-catalyzed hydrophosphonylation chemistry used to form H-phosphinate-type products. In these cases, the material functions as a practical phosphorus-containing reagent/reductant input that supports functional group tolerance and reaction efficiency when matched with the right catalytic system.

Agriculture (Fertilizer-Biostimulant Positioning and Biocontrol Logic)

• In agricultural applications, sodium hypophosphite is discussed as a phosphorus-related input used in formulations that target plant vigor, nutrient uptake efficiency, and stress resistance, often positioned as part of a broader plant nutrition and management strategy. Its role is commonly described in terms of assisting growth outcomes and improving crop performance when used at appropriate concentrations and timings.
• Sodium hypophosphite is also described in biocontrol contexts where it can help suppress or inhibit certain plant pathogen pressures and may work alongside other crop-protection or biocontrol tools. This positioning focuses on practical field use formats such as foliar spray programs, soil incorporation approaches, or seed-treatment style applications, each of which emphasizes correct dilution, timing, and coverage to avoid phytotoxicity and improve effectiveness.
• Because application outcomes depend strongly on crop type, conditions, and program design, agricultural uses tend to emphasize starting with conservative rates and optimizing based on field response. Handling and storage discipline also matters here, since moisture uptake and incompatibilities can degrade performance or complicate mixing.

Food Processing (Antioxidant, Emulsification/Stabilization, and Processing Aid Roles)

• Sodium hypophosphite is used in certain food processing contexts as an antioxidant-type component to slow oxidation-related quality degradation, supporting shelf-life and sensory stability in selected product systems. This is especially relevant where lipid oxidation can drive off-flavors, color change, and shortened storage life.
• It is also used as an emulsifier/stabilizer in specific processing scenarios such as oil-in-water systems, where it helps maintain emulsion integrity and processing consistency. In addition, sodium hypophosphite can be applied as a pH control or processing aid input depending on the formulation architecture and manufacturing process.
• Food applications place a strong focus on grade selection, impurity limits, and controlled use levels aligned with relevant regulatory expectations and good manufacturing practice. Compatibility checks with other ingredients and processing conditions are also important to prevent texture issues, off-notes, or stability problems.

Water Treatment (Corrosion Inhibition and Scale Control)

• Sodium hypophosphite is used in water treatment programs as a corrosion inhibition and scale management component, supporting film formation and complexation behavior that reduces metal attack in circulating water systems. These programs often combine sodium hypophosphite with complementary inhibitors, dispersants, and supporting chemistry to meet corrosion and deposition control targets.
• In cooling water systems, it is used at low mg/L dosing levels as part of multi-component packages that stabilize water quality across temperature swings and variable load conditions. The practical goal is to protect pipelines and heat-transfer equipment while keeping deposits controlled so that efficiency loss and maintenance frequency are reduced.
• In boiler and high-temperature water systems, sodium hypophosphite is positioned alongside oxygen scavengers, alkalinity control, and polymer dispersants to reduce corrosion and scaling risks under harsh conditions. Oilfield brine treatment programs also use it within broader chemical packages to address scale and corrosion challenges in production equipment and pipelines.

Flame Retardant Synergist and Polymer Performance Additive

• Sodium hypophosphite is used as a flame-retardant component or synergist in polymer systems, supporting flame inhibition behavior through char promotion and combustion-chain interference, while helping reduce reliance on halogenated systems in certain designs. Its use is often framed around improving UL94 performance when combined with synergists and appropriate filler and resin choices.
• In polypropylene and nylon systems, sodium hypophosphite is formulated with complementary flame retardants and synergists to target V-0 or V-2 outcomes while balancing mechanical properties and processability. Intumescent coating systems also use sodium hypophosphite as part of multi-component packages designed to generate expanded char layers under heat, improving fire protection performance in coatings.
• Beyond flame retardancy, sodium hypophosphite is described as a secondary antioxidant or thermal stabilizer in polymer processing, helping reduce discoloration and degradation during melt processing. It is also referenced as a catalyst in certain polymerization routes and as a contributor to PVC heat-stabilization systems when paired with metal soap stabilizers and other common formulation aids.

Other Industrial Uses: Textile, Paper, Electroplating Support, and Photographic Processing

• In textiles, sodium hypophosphite is used as a reducing-type auxiliary in dyeing/printing workflows and can support finishing reactions where controlled chemical reduction or catalytic behavior is valuable. The emphasis is on process stability and the reduction of unwanted oxidation effects that can harm color performance.
• In paper processing, sodium hypophosphite is described as supporting wet-strength improvement and serving as a reducing input during pulp treatment, contributing to quality and printability outcomes when integrated into appropriate process stages. These applications focus on handling convenience, compatibility with water-based systems, and consistency.
• It is also referenced more broadly as a reducing component in certain electroplating-related chemistries to support uniformity, brightness, and bath economics, as well as in photographic processing where reduction chemistry is relevant to development solution performance and image quality control.

Storage & Handling

• Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area
• Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption
• Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and acids
• Use clean, dry equipment during handling
• Follow standard chemical handling and safety procedures

Usage Notice

• This product is intended for industrial and professional use only.
• Users should conduct application testing before large-scale use and follow relevant safety data and local regulations during handling and processing.
• A general electroless nickel bath can be formulated with a nickel source commonly around 2–10 g/L (often 2–8 g/L) and sodium hypophosphite typically 15–40 g/L, operated near pH 4.5–5.5 and 85–95°C to drive autocatalytic Ni–P deposition and deliver uniform coatings on complex parts.
• A general-purpose electroless nickel formulation can use nickel sulfate about 20–30 g/L with sodium hypophosphite about 20–30 g/L plus sodium acetate about 10–20 g/L and citric acid about 5–10 g/L to buffer and chelate the bath so deposition remains stable while targeting typical Ni–P phosphorus content ranges.
• A high-phosphorus electroless nickel bath can be set with nickel chloride around 30 g/L and sodium hypophosphite around 40 g/L, adjusted to approximately pH 4.0–4.5 and run near 90–95°C to obtain amorphous, non-magnetic deposits suitable for sensitive electronic applications.
• A PCB-focused chemical nickel bath can be formulated with gold potassium cyanide about 3 g/L, sodium hypophosphite about 10 g/L, and sodium citrate about 50 g/L at roughly pH 4.8–5.2 and 85–90°C to support electroless nickel immersion gold style surface finishing with good solderability and conductivity.
• A circulating cooling water treatment package can dose sodium hypophosphite around 5–10 mg/L with zinc salt around 2–3 mg/L, HEDP around 3–5 mg/L, and a polymer dispersant around 1–2 mg/L at pH 7.0–8.5 to form protective films and reduce both corrosion and scale tendencies.
• A boiler water program can dose sodium hypophosphite around 3–5 mg/L alongside sodium sulfite around 10–30 mg/L with alkalinity adjusted using sodium hydroxide to about pH 10–12 and a dispersant around 1–2 mg/L to manage oxygen-driven corrosion and deposit formation under high-temperature conditions.
• An oilfield brine treatment approach can dose sodium hypophosphite around 10–20 mg/L with an organic phosphonate around 5–10 mg/L and biocide as required while maintaining pH about 6.5–7.5 to reduce scale and corrosion risks in production equipment and pipelines.
• A foliar spray program can formulate sodium hypophosphite at about 0.2–0.5% (w/v) with trace elements about 0.01–0.05% each and a wetting agent about 0.1% with pH adjusted to roughly 5.5–6.5, then diluted for field spraying to support crop management objectives and mixing stability.
• A soil application approach can apply sodium hypophosphite around 10–20 kg/ha blended with organic matter and a trace-element mix, incorporated into the soil profile with water management to support nutrient-program integration and field performance consistency.
• A seed treatment approach can use sodium hypophosphite about 0.1–0.2% (w/v) with an adhesive agent about 0.5% and compatible fungicide as needed to provide a controlled treatment layer before drying and sowing within an appropriate timeframe.
• A meat preservation formulation can use sodium hypophosphite about 0.1–0.3% with salt about 2–3% and sodium nitrite about 0.015% plus an antioxidant blend about 0.02–0.05% to slow oxidative spoilage and support refrigerated shelf-life management.
• A dairy antioxidant system can use sodium hypophosphite about 0.02–0.05% with tocopherols about 0.01–0.03% and citric acid about 0.05–0.1% to protect lipids from oxidation and stabilize flavor during storage.
• A beverage premix can use sodium hypophosphite about 0.01–0.03% with sugars about 5–10% plus citric acid about 0.5–1% and sodium citrate about 0.2–0.5% to support formulation stability and target functional enrichment while maintaining taste balance.
• A polypropylene flame-retardant compound can formulate sodium hypophosphite about 15–20% with melamine cyanurate about 5–8% and mineral synergists and additives in a PP matrix to improve flame performance while maintaining processing stability and mechanical balance.
• A nylon flame-retardant compound can formulate sodium hypophosphite about 10–15% with aluminum hydroxide about 20–30% plus glass fiber and coupling agents in the nylon matrix to achieve synergistic flame retardancy and improved structural performance.
• An intumescent coating can include ammonium polyphosphate about 30–35% with pentaerythritol about 10–15% and melamine about 15–20% plus sodium hypophosphite about 5–10% in an acrylic resin binder to promote expanded char formation and improve fire protection under heat exposure.
• A pharmaceutical reduction example can use a nitro substrate at 1 mol with sodium hypophosphite at about 3–5 mol and a palladium catalyst at a controlled loading in an ethanol/water medium at about 60–80°C to achieve selective reduction while maintaining manageable reaction control.
• A reductive amination setup can use sodium hypophosphite at about 3 equivalents around 70–75°C in a suitable solvent system to support controlled C–N bond formation when paired with appropriate aldehyde/amine substrates and compatible catalysts or conditions.

Packaging

• Paper–plastic composite bags with inner PVC liner
• Net weight: 25 kg per bag
• Packaging can be adjusted according to customer requirements