P4 + 3 NaOH + 3 H2O 3 NaH2PO2 + PH3

This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:

3 P0 - 3 e- 3 PI (oxidation)

P0 + 3 e- P-III (reduction)

P4 is both an oxidizing and a reducing agent (disproportionation (dismutation)).

Reactants:

  • P4
  • NaOH
    • Names: Sodium hydroxide source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27source: wikidata, accessed: 2019-09-02source: ICSC, accessed: 2019-09-04source: NIOSH NPG, accessed: 2019-09-02, Caustic soda source: wikidata, accessed: 2019-09-02source: ICSC, accessed: 2019-09-04source: NIOSH NPG, accessed: 2019-09-02, Lye source: wikidata, accessed: 2019-09-02
    • Appearance: White, waxy, opaque crystals source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27; White hygroscopic solid in various forms source: ICSC, accessed: 2019-09-04; Colorless to white, odorless solid (flakes, beads, granular form). source: NIOSH NPG, accessed: 2019-09-02
  • H2OWater, oxidane source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27
    • Other names: Water (H2O) source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27, Hydrogen hydroxide (HH or HOH) source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27, Hydrogen oxide source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27
    • Appearance: White crystalline solid, almost colorless liquid with a hint of blue, colorless gas source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27

Products:

  • NaH2PO2
  • PH3Phosphane source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27
    • Other names: Phosphine source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27source: wikidata, accessed: 2019-09-02source: ICSC, accessed: 2019-09-04source: NIOSH NPG, accessed: 2019-09-02, Phosphamine source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27, Phosphorus trihydride source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27source: wikidata, accessed: 2019-09-02source: ICSC, accessed: 2019-09-04source: NIOSH NPG, accessed: 2019-09-02
    • Appearance: Colorless gas source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27; Colourless compressed liquefied gas source: ICSC, accessed: 2019-09-04; Colorless gas with a fish- or garlic-like odor. [pesticide] [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Pure compound is odorless.] source: NIOSH NPG, accessed: 2019-09-02