Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a nickel-phosphorus alloy in which a metallic substrate is dipped into an aqueous electrolyte containing at least nickel cations, hypophosphite ions, stabilisers and complexing agents, characterised in that the electrolyte additionally contains pyrones of formula I or the derivatives or salts thereof, wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group, R2 a methyl group, an ethyl group or a hydroxymethyl group, R3 a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group, and R4 a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or a methyl ketone group, and to a corresponding electrolyte.