The Radiation Chemistry of Solutions of P4 in CCl3Br: the Formation of Diphosphines

Abstract

The diphosphines CCl₃ (Br) P₂ (Br) CCl₃ and CCl₃ (Br) P₂Br₂ are formed when solutions of P₄ in CCl₃Br are exposed to ionizing radiation or maintained at 100°C for an hour. The radiation chemical yields (G values) are respectively 230 and 170 at RT. No “red” phosphorus is formed. The diphosphines react with Br₂ to form CCl₃Br; with Cl₂ to form CCl₃Br, Br₂ and PCl₃; and with EtOH to form CCl₃P (OEt) ₂ and CCl₃P (H) (O) (OEt).