Phosphine

Phosphine Latest News

Recently, astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have detected phosphine (PH3) in the atmosphere of brown dwarf Wolf 1130C. 

About Phosphine

• It is a chemical compound made of one phosphorus atom and three hydrogen atoms.
• Formation: Phosphine on Earth is developed naturally by bacteria that live in very low-oxygen environments.
• To produce phosphine, Earth bacteria take up phosphate from minerals or biological material and add hydrogen.
• It is also found in the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn.
• It is also called hydrogen phosphide.
• Uses of Phosphine: It is used in semiconductor and plastics industries, in the production of a flame retardant, and as a pesticide in stored grain.

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Properties of Phosphine

• It is a colourless, flammable, extremely toxic gas with a disagreeable garlic like odour.
• It is slightly soluble in water.
• It is formed by the action of a strong base or hot water on white phosphorus or by the reaction of water with calcium phosphide (Ca3P2).
• It is structurally similar to ammonia (NH3), but phosphine is a much poorer solvent than ammonia and is much less soluble in water.

Source: SN