Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride

Chemical properties

Clear light pink or yellow-green solution

The Uses of Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride solution (80% in H₂O) has been used as a reducing agent and stabilizing ligand for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from gold(III) chloride trihydrate (HAuCl₄.3H₂O). It is a tetra-functional, amine-reactive, aqueous crosslinker that can be used for tuning the properties of protein-based hydrogels for 3D cell encapsulation applications.

The Uses of Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride

Flame-retarding agent for cotton fabrics. May be used in combination with triethylolamine and urea (Roxel process) or with triethanolamine and tris(1-aziridinyl) phosphine oxide.

Definition

A crystalline compound made by the reaction of phosphine, formaldehyde, and hydrochloric acid.

General Description

Clear slightly viscous,colorless to yellow liquid (20% H2O solution).

Air & Water Reactions

Hygroscopic. Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride reacts vigorously with oxidizers and alkalis. Reacts with cellulose.

Health Hazard

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride may be corrosive. When heated to decomposition, it may emit very toxic fumes of POx, hydrogen chloride and bis(chloromethyl)ether. Decomposition of Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride in an aqueous environment may produce phosphine, formaldehyde and hydrogen chloride.

Fire Hazard

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride is probably combustible.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Purification Methods

Crystallise it from AcOH and dry it at 100o in a vacuum. An 80% w/v aqueous solution has d4 1.33 [Reeves J Am Chem Soc 77 3923 1955]. [Beilstein 1 IV 3062.]