Trioctylphosphine is an

organophosphorus compound Organophosphorus chemistry is the scientific study of the synthesis and properties of organophosphorus compounds, which are organic compounds containing phosphorus. They are used primarily in pest control as an alternative to chlorinated hydrocarbo ...

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 betwe ...

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 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. It is li ...

. 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 com ...

s. TOP reacts with elemental selenium to give trioctylphosphine selenide (TOPSe), which is a reagent for the preparation of

cadmium selenide Cadmium selenide is an inorganic compound with the formula Cd Se. It is a black to red-black solid that is classified as a II-VI semiconductor of the n-type. It is a pigment, but applications are declining because of environmental concerns. ...

and related semiconductors.

References

{{organic-compound-stub Phosphines

Reactions

See also

References