Phosphine

Phosphine, also called Hydrogen Phosphide, PH3, is a colourless, poisonous, spontaneously flammable gas, with a disagreeable, garlic-like odour; melting point -133.5 C, boiling point -87.4 C. Phosphine is manufactured by the hydrolysis of metal phosphides, by the electrolysis of phosphorus in the presence of hydrogen, or by the phosphorus-steam reaction. Phosphine has the structure of ammonia (NH3) but with phosphorus in place of nitrogen. It is slightly soluble in cold water and soluble in alcohol. Phosphine is less soluble in water than ammonia. Phosphine is used in the synthesis of organophosphines and phosphonium derivatives and as a dopant in the manufacture of semiconductors. Aluminium or magnesium phosphide are used as formulations prepared for fumigation in pest control, and zinc phosphide is used as a rodenticide. Phophene is a starting material for the preparation of pesticides and flame retardants. organophosphines are used as solvents for the extraction and separation processes, flame retardants, and in formulating fumigants and electronics applications of semiconductor manufacturing.