dimethylphosphite

Dimethyl phosphite is an organophosphorus compound with the chemical formula (CH3O)2P(O)H. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor and is miscible with water and many organic solvents. Dimethyl phosphite is an important intermediate in the synthesis of a wide range of organophosphorus compounds, including pesticides, flame retardants, and pharmaceuticals. It can be prepared by the reaction of phosphorus trichloride with methanol. The compound exists in tautomeric equilibrium with its phosphonate form, dimethyl phosphonate, although the phosphite form is generally considered dominant. This tautomerism plays a role in its reactivity. Dimethyl phosphite is a relatively stable compound under normal conditions but can decompose upon heating, releasing toxic fumes. It is considered a hazardous substance and should be handled with appropriate safety precautions, including proper ventilation and personal protective equipment. Its applications are primarily as a building block in organic synthesis, enabling the introduction of phosphorus-containing functional groups into various molecules.