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Trimethyl phosphite

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Identification
Molecular formula
C3H9O3P
CAS number
121-45-9
IUPAC name
trimethyl phosphite
State
State

At room temperature, trimethyl phosphite is a liquid. It is typically kept in a sealed container to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can cause it to degrade or hydrolyze.

Melting point (Celsius)
-78.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
195.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
111.80
Boiling point (Kelvin)
384.95
General information
Molecular weight
124.08g/mol
Molar mass
124.0810g/mol
Density
1.0730g/cm3
Appearence

Trimethyl phosphite is a clear, colorless liquid. It has a distinct, pungent odor that is typical of organophosphorus compounds. Due to its liquid state at room temperature, it's often stored in airtight containers to prevent degradation by moisture.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Trimethyl Phosphite

Trimethyl phosphite (chemical formula: C3H9O4P) is a polar organic compound known for its versatile properties in various applications. When it comes to solubility, it exhibits a few interesting characteristics:

  • Solvent Compatibility: Trimethyl phosphite is soluble in water, which is somewhat unusual for phosphites, making it a unique candidate for various reactions.
  • Hydrophilicity: The presence of the oxygen atoms in the phosphite group contributes to its hydrophilic nature, enhancing its ability to dissolve in polar solvents.
  • Organic Solvents: It is also soluble in a range of organic solvents, such as ether and alcohol, due to its compatible hydrogen bonding capabilities.

In summary, trimethyl phosphite's solubility showcases its polar character, allowing it to interact favorably with both water and organic solvents, thus broadening its applicability in chemical processes. As noted, it is important to "understand the solvent interactions to optimize its use in synthetic conditions."

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Trimethyl Phosphite

Trimethyl phosphite is a fascinating organophosphorus compound with a variety of applications in both industrial and academic settings. As a phosphite ester, it plays a significant role in organic synthesis and is particularly known for its reactivity and versatility.

Key Applications

  • Intermediate in Synthesis: It serves as an important building block for the synthesis of various phosphorus-containing compounds, including pesticides, flame retardants, and plasticizers.
  • Reagent in Reactions: Trimethyl phosphite is commonly used as a reagent in organic chemistry for reactions such as the formation of phosphonates and the preparation of enol phosphates.
  • Use in the Production of Nanomaterials: This compound is also utilized in the preparation of phosphorous-doped carbon materials, which have applications in electronics and sensor technology.

Chemical Characteristics

This compound is known for its unique properties that make it especially useful:

  • Nucleophilicity: The phosphorus atom in trimethyl phosphite can act as a nucleophile, enabling it to participate in nucleophilic substitutions.
  • Stability: Compared to phosphine oxides, trimethyl phosphite offers greater stability, making it easier to handle in laboratory settings.
  • Ease of Hydrolysis: Under certain conditions, it can hydrolyze to create phosphonic acids, showcasing its potential for transformation in chemical processes.

Safety and Handling

When working with trimethyl phosphite, proper safety measures should be observed. It is crucial to:

  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid skin and eye contact.
  • Handle the compound in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to minimize inhalation risks.

In summary, trimethyl phosphite is an essential compound in the field of organic chemistry, known for its reactivity, versatility, and contributions to the development of various chemical products. Its significance is underscored by its widespread use in laboratories and industry alike.

Synonyms
TRIMETHYL PHOSPHITE
121-45-9
Trimethylphosphite
Trimethoxyphosphine
Phosphorous acid, trimethyl ester
Methyl phosphite
Trimethylfosfit
Trimethoxyfosfin
HSDB 1007
NSC 6513
PHOSPHOROUS ACID TRIMETHYL ESTER
Trimethylphosphit
TMPhite
P(OMe)3
trimethoxyphosphane
Trimethyl ester of phosphorous acid
EINECS 204-471-5
UN2329
Methyl phosphite ((MeO)3P)
UNII-26Q0321ZDG
P(OCH3)3
DTXSID4026979
AI3-60394
26Q0321ZDG
NSC-6513
MFCD00008350
PHOSPHOROUS ACID,TRIMETHYL ESTER
DTXCID106979
CHEBI:183313
EC 204-471-5
TRIMETHYL PHOSPHITE [HSDB]
UN 2329
Trimethylfosfit [Czech]
Trimethoxyfosfin [Czech]
Fosforyn trojmetylowy [Czech]
Fosforyn trojmetylowy
Trimethyl Ester Phosphorous Acid; NSC 6513; Trimethoxyphosphine;
trimethyl-phosphite
trimethoxy phosphine
TRIMETHYL ESTER
Trimethyl phosphite, 97%
Trimethyl phosphite (TMPi)
SCHEMBL58775
Trimethyl phosphite (ACGIH)
Trimethyl phosphite, >=97%
Trimethyl phosphite, >=99%
CHEMBL3186364
Phophorous acid, trimethyl ester
WLN: 1OPO1 & O1
NSC6513
WDA20107
Tox21_200440
AKOS000121918
NCGC00257994-01
BP-21379
CAS-121-45-9
NS00004609
T0488
Q153418
Trimethyl phosphite [UN2329] [Flammable liquid]
Trimethyl phosphite, >=99.999% trace metals basis
204-471-5