C3 Triphenylphosphine

The triphenylphosphine (PPH3) chemical structure shows propeller rotation in the C3 point group. It is a tertiary phosphine, a phosphane where the three hydrogens are replaced by phenyl groups. Triphenylphosphine (PPh3) is trigonal -pyramidal shaped with three phenyl groups around a central phosphorus atom. The 4th position of the tetrahedral N atom has a lone pair of electrons that are not shown (optional in white or black; included in student set 68845NV).

Triphenylphosphine's molecular formula can be shown in two ways: C₁₈H₁₅P or (C₆H₅)₃P.

The twisted nature of the phenyl rings in C3 point group molecule triphenylphosphine only has a C₃ axis of rotation. The triphenylphosphine molecule can undergo an E C3 symmetry operation & is an example of a C3 molecular symmetry point group which shows propeller, chiral geometry.

What type of ligand is triphenylphosphine? Triphenylphosphine is typically classified as a monodentate ligand and can be used as a reducing agent in organic synthesis & in transition metal complexes such as catalysts in organometallic chemistry.