Phosphoruscontaining

Phosphorus-containing compounds are chemical species that include one or more phosphorus atoms in their molecular structure. They cover both organic compounds with carbon–phosphorus bonds and inorganic phosphorus compounds in which phosphorus appears in different oxidation states, from -3 to +5. Broadly, these substances are classified as organophosphorus compounds and inorganic phosphorus compounds.

Organophosphorus compounds include phosphines (R3P), phosphoranes, phosphates esters and phosphonates, and many bioactive molecules such as nucleotide phosphate esters. Inorganic phosphorus compounds include orthophosphates and polyphosphates (PO4 3-, HPO4 2-, H2PO4-), phosphites (PO3 3-), and phosphides (P3-). Recurrent motifs are P–C, P–O, P=O, and P–Cl bonds, depending on oxidation state and substitution pattern.

Applications span agriculture, biology, and materials science. Phosphate fertilizers provide essential phosphorus for plant growth. Phosphorus-containing flame retardants and plasticizers are used in polymers. In chemistry, organophosphorus ligands catalyze reactions, and phosphorylated biomolecules such as ATP and nucleotides are central to metabolism and genetics.

Safety and environmental considerations vary with compound class. White phosphorus is highly toxic and reactive; many phosphorus reagents require careful handling. Waste phosphorus compounds can influence ecosystems, notably through eutrophication from phosphate runoff.