SYNTHETIC ROUTE TO WHITE PHOSPHORUS (P 4 ) AND ARSENIC TRIPHOSPHIDE (AsP 3 )

This chapter describes the syntheses of following two group 15 elements: white phosphorus (P4) and arsenic triphosphate (AsP3). The inclusion of a simple synthesis of white phosphorus is justified by the current difficulties in obtaining it commercially owing to the strictures derived from regulations on its manufacture and transportation. The white phosphorus is obtained from readily available and inexpensive red phosphorus. The red phosphorus has a polymeric structure and an amorphous form that represents an intermediate stage between the white and violet phosphorus allotrope. AsP3 was originally observed as one component in a gas-phase mixture of arsenic and phosphorus vapor by Ozin in 1970. AsP3 is prepared by P3 3- transfer from a niobium cyclo-P3 anion complex, which is itself prepared from Cl2Nb (ODipp)3 (Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl, C6H3-2,6-Pri 2) and P4 under reducing conditions.