P₄ + 3 NaOH + 3 H₂O → 3 NaH₂PO₂ + PH₃

This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:

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

Reactants:

• P₄
• NaOH
  • Names: Sodium hydroxide , Caustic soda , Lye ... show moreSoda lye , Sodium hydrate , NaOH , White caustic , Lye [Sodium hydroxide] show less
  • Appearance: White, waxy, opaque crystals ; White hygroscopic solid in various forms ; Colorless to white, odorless solid (flakes, beads, granular form).
• H₂O – Water, oxidane
  • Other names: Water (H2O) , Hydrogen hydroxide (HH or HOH) , Hydrogen oxide ... show moreDihydrogen monoxide (DHMO) (systematic name) , Hydrogen monoxide , Dihydrogen oxide , Hydric acid , Hydrohydroxic acid , Hydroxic acid , Hydrol , Μ-oxido dihydrogen , Κ1-hydroxyl hydrogen(0) show less
  • Appearance: White crystalline solid, almost colorless liquid with a hint of blue, colorless gas

Products:

• NaH₂PO₂
• PH₃ – Phosphane
  • Other names: Phosphine , Phosphamine , Phosphorus trihydride ... show morePhosphorated hydrogen , Hydrogen phosphide , Phosphorus hydride , [PH3] , PH3 show less
  • Appearance: Colorless gas ; Colourless compressed liquefied gas ; Colorless gas with a fish- or garlic-like odor. [pesticide] [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Pure compound is odorless.]