Triethyl phosphite

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Triethyl phosphite
Triethyl phosphite-3D-balls-by-AHRLS-2011.png
P(OEt)3.png
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
Triethyl phosphite
Other names
Triethoxyphosphine
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.004.139 OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
PubChem CID
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C6H15O3P/c1-4-7-10(8-5-2)9-6-3/h4-6H2,1-3H3 Yes check.svgY
    Key: BDZBKCUKTQZUTL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Yes check.svgY
  • InChI=1/C6H15O3P/c1-4-7-10(8-5-2)9-6-3/h4-6H2,1-3H3
    Key: BDZBKCUKTQZUTL-UHFFFAOYAP
  • O(P(OCC)OCC)CC
Properties
C6H15O3P
Molar mass 166.157 g·mol−1
Appearancecolorless liquid
Density 0.969 g/mL
Melting point −70 °C (−94 °F; 203 K)
Boiling point 156 °C (313 °F; 429 K) (57 to 58 °C at 16 mm)
Solubility soluble in most organic solvents
-104.8·10−6 cm3/mol
Hazards
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH):
Main hazards
toxic
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Triethyl phosphite is an organophosphorus compound, specifically a phosphite ester, with the formula P(OCH2CH3)3, often abbreviated P(OEt)3. It is a colorless, malodorous liquid. It is used as a ligand in organometallic chemistry and as a reagent in organic synthesis.

Contents

The molecule features a pyramidal phosphorus(III) center bound to three ethoxide groups. Its 31P NMR spectrum features a signal at around +139 ppm vs phosphoric acid standard.

Triethylphosphite is prepared by treating phosphorus trichloride with ethanol in the presence of a base, typically a tertiary amine: [1]

PCl3 + 3 EtOH + 3 R3N → P(OEt)3 + 3 R3NH + 3 Cl

In the absence of the base, the reaction of ethanol and phosphorus trichloride affords diethylphosphite ((EtO)2P(O)H). Of the many related compounds can be prepared similarly, triisopropyl phosphite is an example (b.p. 43.5 °C/1.0 mm; CAS# 116-17-6).

Reactions

Triethyl phosphite can react with electrophiles in a Michaelis–Arbuzov reaction to produce organophosphonates. For example, the reaction between triethyl phosphite and ethyl bromoacetate produces a phosphonate suitable for use in the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction. [2]

Michaelis-Arbuzov reaction between ethyl bromoacetate and triethyl phosphite resulting in an organophosphonate. Triethylphosphite rxn1.svg
Michaelis–Arbuzov reaction between ethyl bromoacetate and triethyl phosphite resulting in an organophosphonate.

Reduction/deoxygenation of hydroperoxides to the alcohols can also be effected using triethyl phosphite. [2] This approach can be utilized for carbonyl α-hydroxylation by reacting the enolate with oxygen, producing an α-hydroperoxide which can be reduced by triethyl phosphite to the alcohol. [3] A proposed mechanism is shown below. [4]

Reaction scheme and proposed mechanism for carbonyl a-hydroxylation using oxygen and triethyl phosphite. Triethylphosphite alpha-hydroxylation.svg
Reaction scheme and proposed mechanism for carbonyl α-hydroxylation using oxygen and triethyl phosphite.

Triethyl phosphite can also be used in the Corey–Winter olefin synthesis. [2]

As a ligand

In coordination chemistry and homogeneous catalysis, triethylphosphite finds use as a soft ligand. Its complexes are generally lipophilic and feature metals in low oxidation states. Examples include the colorless complexes FeH2(P(OEt)3)4 and Ni(P(OEt)3)4 (m.p. 108 °C). [5] It also forms a stable complex with copper(I) iodide. [2]

Related Research Articles

An ylide or ylid is a neutral dipolar molecule containing a formally negatively charged atom (usually a carbanion) directly attached to a heteroatom with a formal positive charge (usually nitrogen, phosphorus or sulfur), and in which both atoms have full octets of electrons. The result can be viewed as a structure in which two adjacent atoms are connected by both a covalent and an ionic bond; normally written X+–Y. Ylides are thus 1,2-dipolar compounds, and a subclass of zwitterions. They appear in organic chemistry as reagents or reactive intermediates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Organolithium reagent</span> Chemical compounds containing C–Li bonds

In organometallic chemistry, organolithium reagents are chemical compounds that contain carbon–lithium (C–Li) bonds. These reagents are important in organic synthesis, and are frequently used to transfer the organic group or the lithium atom to the substrates in synthetic steps, through nucleophilic addition or simple deprotonation. Organolithium reagents are used in industry as an initiator for anionic polymerization, which leads to the production of various elastomers. They have also been applied in asymmetric synthesis in the pharmaceutical industry. Due to the large difference in electronegativity between the carbon atom and the lithium atom, the C−Li bond is highly ionic. Owing to the polar nature of the C−Li bond, organolithium reagents are good nucleophiles and strong bases. For laboratory organic synthesis, many organolithium reagents are commercially available in solution form. These reagents are highly reactive, and are sometimes pyrophoric.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phosphorus trichloride</span> Chemical compound

Phosphorus trichloride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula PCl3. A colorless liquid when pure, it is an important industrial chemical, being used for the manufacture of phosphites and other organophosphorus compounds. It is toxic and reacts readily with water to release hydrogen chloride.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Triphenylphosphine</span> Chemical compound

Triphenylphosphine (IUPAC name: triphenylphosphane) is a common organophosphorus compound with the formula P(C6H5)3 and often abbreviated to PPh3 or Ph3P. It is widely used in the synthesis of organic and organometallic compounds. PPh3 exists as relatively air stable, colorless crystals at room temperature. It dissolves in non-polar organic solvents such as benzene and diethyl ether.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phosphite ester</span> Organic compound with the formula P(OR)3

In organic chemistry, a phosphite ester or organophosphite usually refers to an organophosphorous compound with the formula P(OR)3. They can be considered as esters of an unobserved tautomer phosphorous acid, H3PO3, with the simplest example being trimethylphosphite, P(OCH3)3. Some phosphites can be considered esters of the dominant tautomer of phosphorous acid (HP(O)(OH)2). The simplest representative is dimethylphosphite with the formula HP(O)(OCH3)2. Both classes of phosphites are usually colorless liquids.

Organophosphorus chemistry is the scientific study of the synthesis and properties of organophosphorus compounds, which are organic compounds containing phosphorus. They are used primarily in pest control as an alternative to chlorinated hydrocarbons that persist in the environment. Some organophosphorus compounds are highly effective insecticides, although some are extremely toxic to humans, including sarin and VX nerve agents.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Triethyl orthoformate</span> Chemical compound

Triethyl orthoformate is an organic compound with the formula HC(OC2H5)3. This colorless volatile liquid, the orthoester of formic acid, is commercially available. The industrial synthesis is from hydrogen cyanide and ethanol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indium(III) chloride</span> Chemical compound

Indium(III) chloride is the chemical compound with the formula InCl3 which forms a tetrahydrate. This salt is a white, flaky solid with applications in organic synthesis as a Lewis acid. It is also the most available soluble derivative of indium. This is one of three known indium chlorides.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Organozinc chemistry</span>

Organozinc chemistry is the study of the physical properties, synthesis, and reactions of organozinc compounds, which are organometallic compounds that contain carbon (C) to zinc (Zn) chemical bonds.

Organophosphines are organophosphorus compounds with the formula PRnH3−n, where R is an organic substituent. These compounds can be classified according to the value of n: primary phosphines (n = 1), secondary phosphines (n = 2), tertiary phosphines (n = 3). All adopt pyramidal structures. Organophosphines are generally colorless, lipophilic liquids or solids. The parent of the organophosphines is phosphine (PH3).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trimethylolpropane phosphite</span> Chemical compound

Trimethylolpropane phosphite, C2H5C(CH2O)3P, is a phosphite ester used as a ligand in organometallic chemistry. Trimethylolpropane phosphite is sometimes abbreviated to EtCage. It is a white solid that is soluble in organic solvents. It is also highly toxic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trimethyl phosphite</span> Chemical compound

Trimethyl phosphite is an organophosphorus compound with the formula P(OCH3)3, often abbreviated P(OMe)3. It is a colorless liquid with a highly pungent odor. It is the simplest phosphite ester and finds used as a ligand in organometallic chemistry and as a reagent in organic synthesis. The molecule features a pyramidal phosphorus(III) center bound to three methoxy groups.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chlorodiphenylphosphine</span> Chemical compound

Chlorodiphenylphosphine is an organophosphorus compound with the formula (C6H5)2PCl, abbreviated Ph2PCl. It is a colourless oily liquid with a pungent odor that is often described as being garlic-like and detectable even in the ppb range. It is useful reagent for introducing the Ph2P group into molecules, which includes many ligands. Like other halophosphines, Ph2PCl is reactive with many nucleophiles such as water and easily oxidized even by air.

The Abramov reaction is the related conversions of trialkyl to α-hydroxy phosphonates by the addition to carbonyl compounds. In terms of mechanism, the reaction involves attack of the nucleophilic phosphorus atom on the carbonyl carbon. It was named after the Russian chemist Vasilii Semenovich Abramov (1904–1968) in 1957.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metal-phosphine complex</span>

A metal-phosphine complex is a coordination complex containing one or more phosphine ligands. Almost always, the phosphine is an organophosphine of the type R3P (R = alkyl, aryl). Metal phosphine complexes are useful in homogeneous catalysis. Prominent examples of metal phosphine complexes include Wilkinson's catalyst (Rh(PPh3)3Cl), Grubbs' catalyst, and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MoOPH</span> Chemical compound

MoOPH, also known as oxodiperoxymolybdenum(pyridine)-(hexamethylphosphoric triamide), is a reagent used in organic synthesis. It contains a molybdenum(VI) center with multiple oxygen ligands, coordinated with pyridine and HMPA ligands. It is an electrophilic source of oxygen that reacts with enolates and related structures, and thus can be used for alpha-hydroxylation of carbonyl-containing compounds. Other reagents used for alpha-hydroxylation via enol or enolate structures include Davis oxaziridine, oxygen, and various peroxyacids. This reagent was first utilized by Edwin Vedejs as an efficient alpha-hydroxylating agent in 1974 and an effective preparative procedure was later published in 1978.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diethylphosphite</span> Chemical compound

Diethyl phosphite is the organophosphorus compound with the formula (C2H5O)2P(O)H. It is a popular reagent for generating other organophosphorus compounds, exploiting the high reactivity of the P-H bond. Diethyl phosphite is a colorless liquid. The molecule is tetrahedral.

In chemistry, phosphorochloridites are a class of organophosphorus compound with the formula (RO)2PCl (R = organic substituent). They are pyramidal in shape, akin to regular phosphites (P(OR)3). They are usually colorless and sensitive toward hydrolysis and, to some extent, oxidation to the corresponding phosphorochloridates ((RO)2P(O)Cl).

In organic chemistry, the Davis oxidation or Davis' oxaziridine oxidation refers to oxidations involving the use of the Davis reagent or other similar oxaziridine reagents. This reaction mainly refers to the generation of α-hydroxy carbonyl compounds (acyloins) from ketones or esters. The reaction is carried out in a basic environment to generate the corresponding enolate from the ketone or ester. This reaction has been shown to work for amides.

The Cadogan–Sundberg indole synthesis, or simply Cadogan indole synthesis, is a name reaction in organic chemistry that allows for the generation of indoles from o-nitrostyrenes with the use of trialkyl phosphites, such as triethyl phosphite.

References

  1. Ford-Moore, A. H.; Perry, B. J. (1951). "Triethyl Phosphite". Org. Synth. 31: 111. doi:10.15227/orgsyn.031.0111.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Piscopio, Anthony D.; Shakya, Sagar (2005). "Triethyl Phosphite". Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis. doi:10.1002/047084289X.rt224.pub2.
  3. Gardner, J. N.; Carlon, F. E.; Gnoj, O. (1968). "One-step procedure for the preparation of tertiary α-ketols from the corresponding ketones". The Journal of Organic Chemistry. 33 (8): 3294–3297. doi:10.1021/jo01272a055.
  4. Liang, Yu-Feng; Jiao, Ning (2014). "Highly Efficient C–H Hydroxylation of Carbonyl Compounds with Oxygen under Mild Conditions". Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 53 (2): 548–552. doi:10.1002/anie.201308698.
  5. Ittel, Steven D. (1990). "Complexes of Nickel(0)". Inorganic Syntheses . 28: 98–104. doi:10.1002/9780470132593.ch26. ISBN   978-0-470-13259-3.