Alkylphosphine Derivatives

Cytec's unique manufacturing capabilities allow for the industrial scale production of primary - RPH₂, secondary -R₂PH and tertiary -R₃P alkylphosphines. While the latter class of compounds are also sold as finished products, generally the alkylphosphines are further derivatized to yield phosphonic acids - RP(M)(MH)2 , phosphinic acids - R₂P(M)MH where M = O or S, phosphine oxides - R₃P=O, phosphine sulphides - R₃P=S or phosphonium salts - [R₃R'P]⁺ X^-.

Phosphinic acids find utility as solvent extraction reagents and are marketed under the CYANEX^® trademark as solvent extractant. The major products are CYANEX 921 - trioctylphosphine oxide, CYANEX 272 - bis (2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid and CYANEX 301 - bis (2,4,4-(trimethylpentyl)dithiophosphinic acid. Phosphine oxides are also useful flame retardants and are marketed under the CYAGARD^® trademark, for example CYAGARD RF 1243 flame retardant - isobutyl(bis-3hydroxypropyl)phosphine oxide. Water soluble salts of dithiophosphinic acids are unique mineral flotation agents which serve the mining industry.

Phosphonium salts are marketed under the CYPHOS^® phosphonium salt trade name. These products are used as phase transfer catalysts, leather curing agents, biocides, anti-stats, and ionic liquids. A typical example is CYPHOS 442W phosphonium salt - 75% tetrabutylphosphonium bromide in water.