Phosphine

PH₃

IUPAC: Phosphane

CAS: 7803-51-2

Overview

Phosphine is a toxic gas with a garlic or rotten fish odor. Its detection in Venus's atmosphere in 2020 sparked debate about possible microbial life.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 3 1.0080
Phosphorus P 1 30.9740

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×3
8.9%
P
Phosphorus ×1
91.1%

Uses

  • • Semiconductor doping
  • • Fumigant
  • • Chemical synthesis

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Phosphine detected in Venus's atmosphere in 2020 briefly suggested possible microbial life

Safety

  • ⚠ Extremely toxic
  • ⚠ Flammable
  • ⚠ Can spontaneously ignite in air

Structure

SMILES

P

Properties

Type
gas
State
gas
Molar Mass
34.00 g/mol
Density
0.0014 g/cm³
Melting Point
-133.8 °C
Boiling Point
-87.7 °C
Solubility
0.26 g/L at 17°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
33.9972
XLogP
-0.1
TPSA
0.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
0
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
1
Complexity
0.0

Related Compounds

Boron Trifluoride

BF₃

Nitric Oxide

NO

Nitrous Oxide

N₂O

Ozone

O₃

Silane

SiH₄

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Phosphine?
Phosphine (PH₃) is a gas compound with the IUPAC name Phosphane.
What is the molecular weight of Phosphine?
Phosphine has a molar mass of 34.0 g/mol.
What state is Phosphine at room temperature?
Phosphine is a gas at room temperature.
Is Phosphine organic or inorganic?
Phosphine is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Phosphine?
Phosphine (PH₃) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Phosphorus (P).