phosphinoyl

Phosphinoyl is a functional group characterized by a phosphorus atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to two carbon atoms, with the overall structure being R2P(O)X, where R represents an organic substituent and X is typically a halogen or another leaving group. This group is derived from phosphinic acid, H2P(O)OH. The P=O double bond is strong and polar. Phosphinoyl compounds are important intermediates in organic synthesis and can also be found in various biologically active molecules. The reactivity of the phosphinoyl group is largely determined by the nature of the X substituent. For instance, phosphinoyl chlorides, R2P(O)Cl, are reactive towards nucleophiles. These compounds can be synthesized through various methods, often involving the oxidation of phosphines or reactions of phosphorus trihalides. Their applications range from flame retardants to agrochemicals. The phosphorus center in a phosphinoyl group is typically tetrahedral.