Trimethylolpropane phosphite, C2H5C(CH2O)3P, is a phosphite ester used as a ligand in organometallic chemistry. Trimethylolpropane phosphite is sometimes abbreviated to EtCage. It is a white solid that is soluble in organic solvents. It is also highly toxic.

Preparation and reactions

It is prepared by reaction of trimethylolpropane with phosphorus trichloride or by transesterification with trimethylphosphite: The first member of this series was derived from trimethylolethane, but these derivatives are often poorly soluble. For this reason, the ethyl derivative has received more attention.

Reactions

The compound forms an isolable ozonide, which degrades above 0 °C to release singlet O2.

Coordination chemistry

Several EtCage complexes are known, since the ligand is highly basic (for a phosphite) and has a small ligand cone angle (101°). Illustrative complexes include [(EtCage)2Mo(CO)4], [Ir4(CO)11(EtCage)] and (CpMe5)RuCl(EtCage)2, shown below.

Safety

Trimethylolpropane phosphite is very toxic and is a convulsant. LD 50 is 1.1 mg per kg bodyweight (mice, i.p.).