Phosphine

Phosphine (PH3) is a chemical compound created by heating phosphorous acid and mixing calcium phosphide with water. With the chemical formula PH3, phosphine is an organophosphorus compound that belongs to the group of organophosphorus compounds. Phosphine is found in various areas including human tissues, blood, urine, and saliva, and was discovered by Philippe Gengembre in 1783. In this chapter, we will take a closer look at this molecule, its physical and chemical properties, and its uses. 

What is Phosphine?

Phosphine is a phosphorus molecule that encompasses all organophosphorus compounds. Philippe Gengembre discovered and acquired this chemical in 1783. He was also responsible for the production of phosphine via heating phosphorus in a potassium carbonate aqueous solution.

PH3 is the chemical formula for phosphocholine. The amount of this chemical in our environment varies regularly. As previously indicated, this molecule plays a critical role in the phosphorus metabolic cycle.

Uses of Phosphine

When it comes to phosphorus applications, PH3plays a few key roles in many areas. Because the type of combustion in PH3is spontaneous, it can be used in Holme’s signal. PH3is also used in the plastic industry to manufacture new flammable kits. In semiconductor manufacturers, phosphorus is used as a dopant (a chemical that helps to produce an electrical component). This chemical is preferred in the absence of incendiaries and flame retardants. Phosphene is also an essential ingredient in the fumigation of crops and animal feed.

Uses of Phosphine Gas

Phosphine is used to inject phosphorus into silicon crystals in the semiconductor industry. It is also used as a fumigant, a polymerisation initiator, and a precursor to various flame retardants. Phosphine has an odour akin to garlic or decaying fish, however, it is odourless when pure.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Phosphine

• Pure phosphine is an odourless, colourless gas.

• It has a distinct odour, similar to that of spoiled seafood.

• It is a highly poisonous gas. In water, PH3is only slightly soluble. Natural solvents, on the other hand, can degrade it.

• When PH3reacts with hydrogen iodide, it surrenders its lone pair of electrons, functioning as a Lewis base.

• It is a non-ignitable gas under normal conditions. However, when heated, it explodes into flames, releasing phosphoric acid.

• Whenever we expose it to oxidation chemicals, it explodes dramatically.

Structure of Phosphine

Phosphine’s complete chemical structure is a trigonal pyramid. The Lewis structure is used to draw the Phosphine diagram. Lewis structure, also known as electron dot structures, is a diagram that depicts the lone pair of electrons and their interactions between atoms or molecules. The following pointers can help you understand this rapidly:

The Lewis structure of phosphorus has eight valence electrons.

The structure of PH3is identical to that of NH3 since both N (nitrogen) as well as P (phosphorus) are found in the same column of the periodic table (ammonia).

Phosphorus, on the other hand, has a lower electro-negativity for nitrogen.

In the structure of phosphine, the bond angle between H-P-H regions is 93.5.

In P-H, the bond length is 1.42 A.

Lewis bases include phosphorus and phosphine. This is because the P shell has a nonbonding electron pair donated.

Conclusion

Phosphine (PH3), commonly known as hydrogen phosphide, is a colourless, flammable, highly poisonous gas with a garlic-like odour. Phosphine is generated when a strong base and hot water reacts to white phosphorus or even when water reacts with calcium phosphide (Ca3P2). Although phosphine is structurally identical to ammonia (NH3), it is a considerably worse solvent and is much less water permeable.