Organophosphorus compound
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organophosphorus compound
(ör¦gan·ə¦fäs·fə·rəs ′käm′pau̇nd)
(organic chemistry) An organic compound that contains phosphorus in its chemical structure.
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Organophosphorus compound
One of a series of derivatives of phosphorus that have at least one organic (alkyl or aryl) group attached to the phosphorus atom linked either directly to a carbon atom or indirectly by means of another element (for example, oxygen). The mono-, di-, and trialkylphosphines (and their aryl counterparts) can be regarded formally as the parent compounds of all organophosphorus compounds.
Considering the large number of organic groups that may be joined to phosphorus as well as the incorporation of other elements in these materials, the number of combinations is practically unlimited. A vast family in itself is composed of the hete-rocyclic phosphorus molecules, in which phosphorus is one of a group of atoms in a ring system.
Some organophosphorus compounds have been used as polymerization catalysts, lubricant additives, flameproofing agents, plant growth regulators, and insecticides. Organophosphorus compounds were made during World War II for use as chemical warfare agents in the form of nerve gases (Sarin, Trilon 46, Soman, and Tabun). See also Phosphorus.
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