P

Phosphine

IUPAC: phosphane

H3P Inorganic Compounds CAS 7803-51-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationH3P
CAS Number7803-51-2
Molecular Weight33.998
Melting Point-207 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point-126 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density0.746 at -130 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float
SolubilitySlight (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearancePhosphine appears as a colorless gas with a disagreeable odor of fish or garlic. Boiling point -126 °F; freezing point -209 °F. Very toxic by inhalation at extremely low concentrations. Prolonged...
Also Known Asphosphane
CategoryInorganic Compounds

What is Phosphine?

Phosphane is the simplest phosphine, consisting of a single phosphorus atom with three hydrogens attached. It has a role as a fumigant insecticide and a carcinogenic agent. It is a member of phosphanes, a phosphine and a mononuclear parent hydride. It is a conjugate base of a phosphonium. It is a conjugate acid of a phosphanide.

Formula & Notation

H3P

IUPAC Name: phosphane

Other Names / Synonyms: phosphane

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Phosphine appears as a colorless gas with a disagreeable odor of fish or garlic. Boiling point -126 °F; freezing point -209 °F. Very toxic by inhalation at extremely low concentrations. Prolonged.... Molecular formula: H3P. Molecular weight: 33.998 g/mol. Boiling point: -126 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: -207 °F (EPA, 1998). Density: 0.746 at -130 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: Slight (NIOSH, 2024). Vapor pressure: 760 mmHg at -125.5 °F (EPA, 1998). LogP: -0.1.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-207 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point-126 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density0.746 at -130 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight33.998
SolubilitySlight (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearancePhosphine appears as a colorless gas with a disagreeable odor of fish or garlic. Boiling point -126 °F; freezing point -209 °F. Very toxic by inhalation at extremely low concentrations. Prolonged...

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial processes, materials science, semiconductor manufacture, ceramics, or as a catalyst.

Safety Information

May be corrosive, toxic, or an oxidising agent. Handle in well-ventilated area. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Phosphine
Formula H3P
CAS Number 7803-51-2
Molecular Weight 33.998
Synonyms phosphane

Frequently Asked Questions

Phosphane is the simplest phosphine, consisting of a single phosphorus atom with three hydrogens attached. It has a role as a fumigant insecticide and a carcinogenic agent. It is a member of phosphanes, a phosphine and a mononuclear parent hydride. It is a conjugate base of a phosphonium. It is a conjugate acid of a phosphanide.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.