Trioctylphosphine selenide (TOPSe) is an

organophosphorus compound Organophosphorus compounds are organic compounds containing phosphorus. They are used primarily in pest control as an alternative to chlorinated hydrocarbons that persist in the environment. Some organophosphorus compounds are highly effective in ...

with the

formula In science, a formula is a concise way of expressing information symbolically, as in a mathematical formula or a ''chemical formula''. The informal use of the term ''formula'' in science refers to the general construct of a relationship betwee ...

SeP(C₈H₁₇)₃. It is used as a source of selenium in the preparation of

cadmium selenide Cadmium selenide is an inorganic compound with the formula Cadmium, CdSelenide, Se. It is a black to red-black solid that is classified as a II-VI semiconductor of the n-type semiconductor, n-type. Much of the current research on this compound i ...

. TOPSe is a white, air-stable solid that is soluble in organic solvents. The molecule features a tetrahedral phosphorus center.

Preparation and use

TOPSe is usually prepared by

oxidation Redox (reduction–oxidation, , ) is a type of chemical reaction in which the oxidation states of substrate change. Oxidation is the loss of electrons or an increase in the oxidation state, while reduction is the gain of electrons or a d ...

trioctylphosphine Trioctylphosphine is an organophosphorus compound with the formula P(C8H17)3 sometimes abbreviated TOP. It is usually encountered as a syrup. The compound is colorless. Reactions Trioctylphosphine reacts with oxygen to form trioctylphosphine ox ...

with elemental selenium: : Often the reaction is conducted without isolation of the TOPSe. As a solution with

trioctylphosphine oxide Trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) is an organophosphorus compound with the formula OP(C8H17)3. Frequently referred to as TOPO, this compound is used as an extraction or stabilizing agent. It is an air-stable white solid at room temperature. Prepar ...

, TOPSe reacts with dimethylcadmium to give

. The mechanism is proposed to proceed in two steps, beginning with the formation of cadmium metal followed by its oxidation with the TOPSe. Similarly it has been used to produce

lead selenide Lead selenide (PbSe), or lead(II) selenide, a selenide of lead, is a semiconductor material. It forms cubic crystals of the NaCl structure; it has a direct bandgap of 0.27 eV at room temperature. (Note that incorrectly identifies PbSe and o ...

References

{{Reflist Organophosphorus compounds Selenides