Phosphine

Definition

Phosphine is a colorless, flammable gas with the chemical formula PH₃. It is a simple organophosphorus compound that serves as a ligand in various organometallic complexes and plays a significant role in coordination chemistry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Phosphine has a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry, with phosphorus at the apex and three hydrogen atoms forming the base.
2. It is used in organic synthesis as a reducing agent and as a precursor for various phosphorus-containing compounds.
3. Phosphine can act as a ligand in coordination complexes, stabilizing metal centers and influencing their electronic properties.
4. Due to its flammability and toxicity, phosphine is handled with caution and often generated in controlled environments.
5. The production of phosphine can occur through the reaction of white phosphorus with water or metal phosphides with acids.

Review Questions

• How does phosphine function as a ligand in organometallic chemistry?
  • Phosphine acts as a ligand by donating its lone pair of electrons from the phosphorus atom to a metal center, forming a coordinate bond. This interaction can stabilize the metal complex and influence its electronic properties, reactivity, and sterics. The ability of phosphine to bond with various transition metals allows for the formation of diverse organometallic compounds utilized in catalysis and organic synthesis.
• Discuss the importance of phosphine in synthetic organic chemistry and how it can affect reaction pathways.
  • Phosphine is significant in synthetic organic chemistry due to its role as a reducing agent and its utility in forming other phosphorus-containing compounds. By donating electrons during reactions, it can lower oxidation states of substrates and facilitate transformations. Additionally, phosphine's reactivity can influence the selectivity of reactions, making it an essential component in designing synthetic pathways for complex molecules.
• Evaluate the implications of phosphine's toxicity and flammability on its use in laboratory settings.
  • The toxicity and flammability of phosphine raise important safety considerations for its use in laboratory environments. Proper ventilation, protective equipment, and handling procedures are essential to mitigate risks associated with exposure or accidental ignition. Awareness of these hazards impacts how chemists design experiments involving phosphine, ensuring safe practices while harnessing its useful chemical properties.

Related terms

Organometallic Compounds: Compounds that contain at least one bond between a carbon atom of an organic molecule and a metal, which can be transition metals or main group metals.

Ligand: A molecule or ion that binds to a central metal atom to form a coordination complex, often influencing the reactivity and properties of the metal.

Phosphorus: A chemical element with the symbol P, crucial in many biological systems and present in various allotropes, including white, red, and black phosphorus.