Triethyl phosphite
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| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
Triethyl phosphite | |
| Other names
Triethoxyphosphine | |
| Identifiers | |
| 122-52-1 | |
| ChemSpider | 28956 |
| Jmol interactive 3D | Image |
| PubChem | 31215 |
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| Properties | |
| C6H15O3P | |
| Molar mass | 166.16 g/mol |
| Appearance | colorless liquid |
| Density | 0.969 g/mL |
| Melting point | −70 °C (−94 °F; 203 K) |
| Boiling point | 156 °C (313 °F; 429 K) (57 to 58 °C at 16 mm) |
| organic solvents | |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | toxic |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
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| Infobox references | |
Triethylphosphite is an organophosphorus compound with the formula P(OCH2CH3)3, often abbreviated P(OEt)3. This colorless liquid is used as a ligand in organometallic chemistry and as a reagent in organic synthesis, and has a 31P NMR signal at around +139 ppm with reference to a phosphoric acid standard. The molecule features a pyramidal phosphorus(III) center bound to three ethoxide groups.
Triethylphosphite is prepared by treating phosphorus trichloride with ethanol in the presence of a base, typically a tertiary amine:[1]
- PCl3 + 3 EtOH + 3 R3N → P(OEt)3 + 3 R3NH+Cl−
Of the many related compounds can be prepared similarly, triisopropyl phosphite is an example (b.p. 43.5 °C/1.0 mm; CAS# 116-17-6).
As a ligand
In coordination chemistry and homogeneous catalysis, triethylphosphite finds use as a soft ligand. Its complexes are generally lipophilic and feature metals in low oxidation states. Examples include the colorless complexes FeH2(P(OEt)3)4 and Ni(P(OEt)3)4 (m.p. 187 °C).[2]
References
- ↑ A. H. Ford-Moore and B. J. Perry (1963). "Triethyl Phosphite". Org. Synth.; Coll. Vol. 4, p. 955
- ↑ Ittel, Steven D.; Berke, H.; Dietrich, H.; Lambrecht, J.; Hrter, P.; Opitz, J.; Springer, W. (1990). "Complexes of Nickel(0)". Inorganic Syntheses. Inorganic Syntheses 28: 98–104. doi:10.1002/9780470132593.ch26. ISBN 978-0-470-13259-3.

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