11 Phosphorus Triiodide Uses: Facts You Should Know!

Phosphorus Triiodide having the chemical formula PI3 is an unstable inorganic compound. Let us explore some of the facts of PI3.

PIapplications in different sectors;

  • Research industry.
  • Electrical industry.

In this article, we will discuss some of the properties of PI3.

Are Sodium Hydrogen Sulfate and Phosphorus Triiodide Similar in Their Uses?

Sodium hydrogen sulfate and phosphorus triiodide have distinct differences in their uses. While sodium hydrogen sulfate applications range from water treatment and pH adjustment to paper manufacturing, phosphorus triiodide is mainly employed in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical industries.

Research industry

  • Secondary or primary alcohols are converted to alkyl iodides by using this PI3 in the laboratory.
  • In di-phosphorus tetraiodide synthesis PI3 is used.
  • In organic reductions, PI3 is employed.
  • As a powerful deoxygenating agent PI 3 is used in research and laboratories.
  • For the manufacturing of phosphoric acid PI3 is used.
  • Iodopyrazines’ are synthesized by PI3.
  • In numerous substitution reactions, PI3 is used.; For example, hydroxyl group substitution from alcohol.
  • In electrolytes PI3 is used as a charge carrier for dye-sensitized solar cells as it is a root of triiodide.
  • For the  synthesis of  cyclic phosphorochloridite esters PI3 reacts with diols such as a 1,4-butane diol, diethylene glycol.
  • For the structure, activity relationship studies of dithiaphospholes PI3 are used.
  • As a deoxygenating agent, as well as deactivator PI3,is used.

Electrical industry

In semiconductors PI3 is used for the synthesis of black phosphate crystals, as a semiconducting material for optoelectronic applications.

Conclusion

PI3 is prepared by the addition of iodine to the white phosphorous solution in carbon disulfide. It appears as a dark red solid but it is highly unstable to store. It can decompose in water and has a melting point of 61.2 °C. Most nucleophilic reactions employed by this PI3. It can reduce sulfoxides to sulfides.