Product Name: Hypophosphorous Acid
Chemical Formula: H3PO2
Synonyms: Phosphinic acid, HPA
CAS Number: 6303-21-5
Intended Use: Chemical intermediate, antioxidant, reducing agent, metal finisher
Supplier: Refer to local distributor or manufacturer information
Emergency Contact: Refer to local emergency contact for chemical incidents
GHS Classification: Corrosive to metals, Acute toxicity (oral and dermal), Serious eye damage/eye irritation, Skin corrosion/irritation
GHS Label Elements: Danger symbol (corrosion), Warning; Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Hazard Statements: May cause fire if involved in a combustion incident; harmful if swallowed; causes severe burns
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors or mist; wear chemical resistant gloves and personal protective clothing; handle only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
Other Hazards: Reacts violently with strong oxidizers, emits toxic fumes of phosphorus oxides under fire conditions
Chemical Name: Hypophosphorous Acid
CAS Number: 6303-21-5
Concentration: 30-50% (typical range in aqueous solution)
Impurities: Phosphoric acid, water, trace elemental phosphorus
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air; keep airway open; seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek immediate medical help for visible burns
Eye Contact: Flush with water for at least 20 minutes, occasionally lifting eyelids; immediate medical assistance recommended
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth with water; seek urgent medical attention
General Advice: Show this data sheet to the emergency responder; ensure safe transportation of affected individual; do not leave patient unattended if severe symptoms manifest
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, chemical foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet (may cause spattering)
Hazards from Combustion: Phosphorus oxides, possibly hazardous fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing; remove containers from area if safe to do so
Special Precautions: Avoid runoff into drains, sewers, waterways; stay upwind, evacuate downwind area if necessary
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel; ventilate area thoroughly; avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, soil, drains, water sources
Containment: Use inert absorbent (sand, earth, vermiculite); scoop up into closed, labeled containers
Cleanup: Neutralize with sodium bicarbonate or soda ash; wash area with plenty of water; dispose waste in accordance with local regulations
Emergency Procedures: For large spills or leaks, contact authorities and refer to emergency plan
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas; avoid vapors, direct contact, ingestion; never add water to acid, always acid to water
Storage: Keep containers tightly sealed; keep in corrosion-resistant containers; store below 30°C away from incompatible materials such as strong bases, oxidizing agents, and combustible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, alkalis, heavy metals, finely divided metals
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke in working areas
Engineering Controls: Adequate general and local exhaust ventilation; safety shower and eye wash station in immediate area
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limit, follow local and national guidance
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles, full face shield, acid-resistant apron, chemical resistant boots
Respiratory Protection: If ventilation is inadequate, use NIOSH-approved acid gas respirator
Environmental Exposure Controls: Use containment and work practices to avoid accidental release
Appearance: Clear, colorless, oily liquid
Odor: Slightly pungent, acid-like
pH: <1 (concentrated solution)
Melting Point: +26.5°C
Boiling Point: 158°C
Density: 1.49 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Vapor Pressure: No reliable data, likely low at ambient temperatures
Partition Coefficient (Log Kow): Not measured
Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts exothermically with strong bases and strong oxidizers
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with metals may release hydrogen gas
Decomposition Products: Toxic phosphorus oxides under fire conditions
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, exposure to open flames, contact with incompatible substances
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) approximately 300 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion: Causes skin burns
Eye Damage: Causes serious eye damage
Inhalation Effects: Sore throat, coughing, respiratory irritation possible
Long-term Exposure: Chronic effects not well studied; prolonged contact may lead to severe tissue damage
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Health Effects: May affect mucous membranes, digestive tract, respiratory system
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life in concentrated forms
Environmental Persistence: Rapidly neutralized in soils by reaction with basic compounds
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile due to solubility
Other Adverse Effects: Discharge into the environment must be avoided; can acidify water bodies
Waste Disposal Methods: Neutralize with alkaline solution before discharge; large volumes require treatment by licensed chemical hazardous waste contractor
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, neutralize acid residue, dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national laws
Special Precautions: Do not attempt to discharge into municipal drains or open environment
Regulatory Considerations: Classified as hazardous waste; obtain proper disposal certification
UN Number: UN 2834
Proper Shipping Name: Hypophosphorous Acid Solution
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive materials)
Packing Group: II
Labels Required: Corrosive (Class 8), Environmental hazard if shipped in large quantities
Special Provisions: Ensure containers upright and tightly closed; protect from damage during transport; ensure compliance with International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code, IATA, and ADR regulations
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: Classified as hazardous
TSCA Status: Listed
SARA Title III Sec. 302/304: Not a listed extremely hazardous substance
SARA Title III Sec. 311/312: Immediate (acute) health hazard
EINECS Number: 228-601-5
Regulatory Restrictions: Use, handling, disposal subject to regional legislation and authority permits
Labelling Requirements: Comply with GHS, OSHA, EU CLP, and DOT standards
