Solid-State Investigation, Storage, and Separation of Pyrophoric PH3 and P2H4 with alpha-Mg Formate

Phosphane, PH3-a highly pyrophoric and toxic gas-is frequently contaminated with H-2 and P2H4, which makes its handling even more dangerous. The inexpensive metal-organic framework (MOF) magnesium formate, alpha-[Mg(O2CH)(2)], can adsorb up to 10 wt % of PH3. The PH3-loaded MOF, PH3@alpha-[Mg(O2CH)(2)], is a non-pyrophoric, recoverable material that even allows brief handling in air, thereby minimizing the hazards associated with the handling and transport of phosphane. alpha-[Mg(O2CH)(2)] further plays a critical role in purifying PH3 from H-2 and P2H4: at 25 degrees C, H-2 passes through the MOF channels without adsorption, whereas PH3 adsorbs readily and only slowly desorbs under a flow of inert gas (complete desorption time approximate to 6 h). Diphosphane, P2H4, is strongly adsorbed and trapped within the MOF for at least 4 months. P2H4@alpha-[Mg(O2CH)(2)] itself is not pyrophoric and is air- and light-stable at room temperature.