🥼organic chemistry review

Phosphite

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Phosphite is an ion or salt containing the phosphite ion (PO3^3-), often involved in various chemical reactions including those in organic chemistry and biochemistry. In the context of DNA synthesis, it can be part of a reagent used for introducing phosphorus atoms into molecules.