Trioctylphosphine 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 ...
P(C
8H
17)
3 sometimes abbreviated TOP. It is usually encountered as a syrup. The compound is colorless.
Reactions
Trioctylphosphine reacts with oxygen to form
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 ...
. For this reason it is usually handled with
air-free technique Air-free techniques refer to a range of manipulations in the chemistry laboratory for the handling of compounds that are air-sensitive. These techniques prevent the compounds from reacting with components of air, usually water and oxygen; less ...
s.
TOP reacts with elemental selenium to give
trioctylphosphine selenide
Trioctylphosphine selenide (TOPSe) is an organophosphorus compound with the chemical formula, formula SeP(C8H17)3. It is used as a source of selenium in the preparation of cadmium selenide. TOPSe is a white, air-stable solid that is soluble in or ...
(TOPSe), which is a reagent for 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 ...
and related semiconductors.
See also
*
Triphenylphosphine
Triphenylphosphine (IUPAC name: triphenylphosphane) is a common organophosphorus compound with the formula P(C6H5)3 and often abbreviated to P Ph3 or Ph3P. It is widely used in the synthesis of organic and organometallic compounds. PPh3 exists a ...
*
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 ...
References
{{organic-compound-stub
Phosphines