Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 7, 2026

Phosphinite

In organic chemistry, phosphinites are organophosphorus compounds with the formula P(OR)R2. They are used as ligands in homogeneous catalysis and coordination chemistry.

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Structural formula of a generic phosphinite, R represents a side chain. source ↗
Skeletal formula of methyl diphenylphosphinite source ↗

In organic chemistry, phosphinites are organophosphorus compounds with the formula P(OR)R2. They are used as ligands in homogeneous catalysis and coordination chemistry.1

Preparation

Phosphinites are prepared by alcoholysis of organophosphinous chlorides. For example, treatment of chlorodiphenylphosphine with methanol and base gives methyl diphenylphosphinite:

ClPPh2 + CH3OH → CH3OPPh2 + HCl

Although 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)R2

Phosphinites are ligands, giving derivatives similar to metal phosphine complexes. They are stronger pi-acceptors than typical phosphine ligands.2

References

References

  1. D. E. C. Corbridge (1995). Phosphorus: An Outline of its Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Technology (5th ed.). Amsterdam: Elsevier. ISBN 0-444-89307-5.
  2. Rajanbabu, T. V. Babu (2012). "Phosphinite and Phosphonite Ligands". Phosphorus(III) Ligands in Homogeneous Catalysis: Design and Synthesis. pp. 159–232. doi:10.1002/9781118299715.ch5. ISBN 9781118299715.
See also

See also