Abstract: The present invention provides phosphinic acids and their sulfur derivatives, in accordance with the following formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 are different and each of R1 and R2 is independently selected from an organic radical that branches at the alpha carbon and an organic radical that branches at the beta carbon, and each of X and Y is independently O or S, and wherein said compound is a liquid at room temperature. Compounds of formula (I) find utility for example as metal extractants. Also provided are methods for making compounds of formula (I) and their corresponding phosphine intermediates.

Abstract: The present application relates to a process for preparing a halogenated organophosphine, comprising reacting a primary or secondary organophosphine with a halogenating agent selected from (A) a compound of formula (I): (HaI)3C—C(O)—X (I) wherein X is selected from alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, cycloalkyl, NR1R2, C(HaI)3, OR3, -0—C(O)—R3?, or —Y—Z—Y—C(O)—C(HaI)3; R1 and R2 are each independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, or cycloalkyl; R3 is selected from H, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, cycloalkyl, or triorganosilyl; R3? is selected from C(HaI)3, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, cycloalkyl; Y is independently selected from 0 or NH; Z is independently selected from alkylene, arylene, aralkylene, alkarylene, or cycloakylene; and Hal is selected from Cl or Br; or (B) a derivative of a polyol, polyamine or polyaminoalcohol comprising two or more hydroxyl and/or amino groups, in which a hydrogen atom in each of the hydroxyl and/or amino groups is replaced with a group —C(O)—C(HaI)3, w

Abstract: Methods for preparing phosphonium salts by reacting a primary phosphine or a secondary phosphine with an ester compound selected from the group consisting of: a phosphate triester; a phosphonate diester; a sulfate diester; and a sulfonate ester; to form a phosphonium salt of formula VII wherein each of RQ, RX, RY, and RZ is independently hydrocarbyl and X? is a phosphate, phosphonate, sulfate, or sulfonate are provided herein. These phosphonium salts may find utility in a wide range of applications, including as surfactants, as polar solvents (ionic liquids), as antimicrobial agents, and as a component of spinning finish in polyamide fibre processing.

Abstract: Tertiary phosphines are prepared by reacting a phosphine (PH3 or a primary or secondary phosphine) with a cyclic alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compound having no more than one C?C double bond conjugated with a carbonyl group. The inventive tertiary phosphines can have R groups that are the same or different. The inventive tertiary phosphines may be used as ligands for metal catalysts or as starting materials for preparing phosphonium salts or ylids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a non-flammable gaseous mixture from a first flammable gas and a second gas in which said first gas is flammable. Air may be extracted from the atmosphere or storage container to be treated. The air is circulated in a conduit (22) via blower (14). A flammable gas is injected (12) into the conduit where it is rapidly diluted to a level below its flammability limit. The method is suitable for unattended automatic treatment over an extended period of time, or a so-called “one shot/quick dump” fumigation where concentrations and flow rates are much higher and the process is under manual supervision.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for fumigating at least one region with a nonflammable gaseous mixture including phosphine. A sensor senses the concentration of phosphine for atmosphere of the region and a flow controller controls flow to the region in response to the sensed concentration. A recycling passage removes a portion of the atmosphere from the region and returns the atmosphere to create a recycle flow through the region. In addition, a gas mixing system is provided to supply the non-flammable mixture by mixing phosphine from a phosphine source and an inert substance from an inert substance source.