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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Phosphine and Phosgene?

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Phosphine and phosgene are two different chemical compounds with distinct properties and uses. The main differences between them are:

  1. Chemical composition: Phosphine is an inorganic compound with the formula PH3, while phosgene is an organic compound with the formula COCl2.
  2. Structure: The geometry of the phosphine molecule is trigonal pyramidal, whereas the geometry of phosgene is trigonal planar.
  3. Solubility: Phosphine is poorly soluble in water, while phosgene is insoluble and can react with water.
  4. Toxicity: Both compounds are toxic, but phosgene is highly toxic and has been used as a chemical weapon in the past.
  5. Uses: Phosphine is used in the semiconductor and plastics industries, in the production of flame retardants, and as a pesticide in stored grain. Phosgene, on the other hand, is primarily used in the production of plastics and other industrial chemicals.

In summary, phosphine and phosgene are two distinct chemical compounds with different structures, solubilities, toxicities, and uses.

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  • What is the Difference Between Phosphine and Phosgene?
  • Comparative Table: Phosphine vs Phosgene

    • Comparative Table: Phosphine vs Phosgene

    Here is a table comparing the differences between phosphine and phosgene:

    Property Phosphine Phosgene
    Chemical Formula PH3 COCl2
    Classification Inorganic compound Organic compound
    Geometry Trigonal pyramidal Trigonal planar
    Color Colorless Colorless
    Odor Slightly unpleasant Odorless (technical grade) or resembles freshly cut hay or grass (low concentrations)
    Solubility in Water Poorly soluble Insoluble
    Reactivity with Water Does not react with water Reacts with water to form hydrochloric acid and carbon dioxide
    Uses Precursor to many organophosphorus compounds, used in textiles, hydrophosphination of alkenes Production of isocyanates, synthesis of carbonates, manufacture of herbicides, pesticides, dyes, and pharmaceuticals
    Toxicity Highly toxic Very toxic
    Flammability Flammable Non-combustible

    Phosphine is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula PH3, while phosgene is an organic compound with the chemical formula COCl2. Phosphine has a trigonal pyramidal geometry, whereas phosgene has a trigonal planar geometry. Phosphine is poorly soluble in water, but phosgene is insoluble. Both compounds are colorless and toxic, but they have different reactivities with water and are used for different purposes in industry.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.