Models for Phosphate Linkages

Abstract

Phosphorus compounds structurally related to phosphates are frequently used as insecticides. Some of these insecticides are ester of phosphoric or thiphosphoric acids. Typical of such esters is tetraethylpyrophosphate TEPP (I), which has been synthesized during the period covered in this report. The chemical reactivity of this pyrophosphate is f potential interest because of the known (I) versatility of phosphines as chelating agent for transition metals. The TEPP is toxic and its synthesis involves various steps to be carried out under inert atmosphere. The metal complexes of these pyrophosphate are, in general air sensitive and require handling under rigorous anhydrous conditions. An appreciable amount of time in initial stages was spent on setting up vacuum-line system and in organizing laboratory facilities suitable for synthesis of air-sensitive compounds. The metal complexes of TEPP are currently being synthesized. These studies will used to explain the orientation of metal ion with respect to various phosphate linkages in biological phosphate.