Solid‐State Investigation, Storage, and Separation of Pyrophoric PH3 and P2H4 with α‐Mg Formate

Abstract

AbstractPhosphane, PH3—a highly pyrophoric and toxic gas—is frequently contaminated with H2 and P2H4, which makes its handling even more dangerous. The inexpensive metal–organic framework (MOF) magnesium formate, α‐[Mg(O2CH)2], can adsorb up to 10 wt % of PH3. The PH3‐loaded MOF, PH3@α‐[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. α‐[Mg(O2CH)2] further plays a critical role in purifying PH3 from H2 and P2H4: at 25 °C, H2 passes through the MOF channels without adsorption, whereas PH3 adsorbs readily and only slowly desorbs under a flow of inert gas (complete desorption time≈6 h). Diphosphane, P2H4, is strongly adsorbed and trapped within the MOF for at least 4 months. P2H4@α‐[Mg(O2CH)2] itself is not pyrophoric and is air‐ and light‐stable at room temperature.