Formula H2OP- | Molar mass 48.989 g/mol | |
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Phosphinites are organophosphorus compounds with the formula P(OR)R2. They are used as ligands in homogeneous catalysis and coordination chemistry.
Contents
Preparation
Phosphinites are prepared by alcoholysis of organophosphinous chlorides. For example, treatment of chlorodiphenylphosphine with methanol and base gives methyl diphenylphosphonite:
ClPPh2 + CH3OH → CH3OPPh2 + HClAlthough they are esters of phosphinous acids (R2POH), phosphinites are not made via such intermediates.
Reactions
Oxidation of phosphinites gives phosphinates:
2 P(OR)R2 + O2 → 2 OP(OR)R2Phosphinites are ligands, giving derivatives similar to metal phosphine complexes. They are stronger pi-acceptors than typical phosphine ligands.
References
Phosphinite Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA