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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Synthesis of High Purity Nonsymmetric Dialkylphosphinic Acid Extractants
Published on: October 19, 2017
Facile synthesis of AsP3
Brandi M Cossairt1, Mariam-Céline Diawara, Christopher C Cummins
1Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 6-435, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Chemists synthesized the AsP3 molecule, previously elusive, enabling new materials with precise arsenic-phosphorus ratios. This discovery opens avenues for novel chemical synthesis and material science applications.
Area of Science:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Synthesis
Background:
- Phosphorus and arsenic form P4 and As4 molecules, with P4 being common and As4 unstable.
- Limited data existed on mixed arsenic-phosphorus molecules prior to this study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize the AsP3 molecule.
- To explore its potential as a building block for new materials.
Main Methods:
- Chemical synthesis of AsP3.
- Isolation and purification of AsP3 in solid form.
- Spectroscopic characterization and determination of physical properties.
- Structural determination of AsP3 as a ligand in a coordination complex.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis and isolation of pure AsP3 with a melting point of 71-73°C.
- Detailed physical and spectroscopic data for AsP3 were obtained.
- The structure of AsP3 was elucidated within a coordination complex.
Conclusions:
- AsP3 is a stable, synthesizable compound with a defined arsenic-phosphorus ratio.
- Its solubility in organic solvents makes it a versatile precursor for targeted synthesis.
- This molecule is a valuable starting point for creating materials with a 1:3 arsenic-to-phosphorus ratio.
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