Stable synthetic equivalents of the monophosphorus anion (P-): a clean substitute for PCl3

Phosphorus is vital not only for food production but also for other agricultural commodities such as ethanol, biofuels, and any biorenewable chemicals. The annual worldwide production of elemental phosphorus reaches 850,000 tons, from which 18% is transformed by addition of chlorine gas into 700,000 tons/year of PCl3, the industrial precursor to most phosphorus derivatives. Significant environmental risks are involved in the preparation and transport of PCl3; it is highly reactive to atmospheric moisture, and has to be transported in lead-lined, glass-lined or nickel vessels. Lastly, its transformation into the desired chemicals produces an enormous amount of waste and is energy-inefficient. Proposed project involves the development of stable “P-” building block which can be converted into stable phosphinidene. This phosphinidene then can be transformed into a broad range of phosphorus compounds potentially reducing the use of PCl3.

Faculty Supervisor:

Brian Sterenberg

Student:

Partner:

University of California, San Diego

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Regina

Program: