phosphinecontaining

Phosphine-containing compounds are chemical substances that feature a phosphine group, typically a phosphorus atom with a lone pair and three substituents (PR3), or related structures such as primary (RPH2) and secondary (R2PH) phosphines. The term also includes metal complexes in which a phosphine serves as a ligand.

Phosphines act as σ-donor ligands for transition metals, stabilizing reactive centers and shaping reaction pathways. By varying substituents, chemists tailor electronic donation and steric bulk, affecting rates and selectivity in processes such as hydrogenation, hydroformylation, and cross-coupling. Popular examples include PPh3, PCy3, and chelating ligands like dppe or BINAP.

Phosphines are often air-sensitive and readily oxidize to phosphine oxides (R3P=O). Handling typically requires dry, inert conditions for reactive species, though some phosphines are relatively air-stable. They can be toxic and have strong odors, necessitating careful storage and handling.

Phosphine-containing materials extend beyond simple ligands to include functional polymers, surfaces, and supports bearing phosphine groups, used to anchor metal catalysts or to create catalytic sites in solid-state materials.