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 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. 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 (TOPSe), which is a reagent for the preparation of
cadmium selenide 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 ...
*
Trioctylphosphine oxide
References
{{organic-compound-stub
Phosphines