Product Name
Trioctylphosphine oxide, 99% TOPO
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
IUPAC Name
1-dioctylphosphoryloctane
InChI Key
ZMBHCYHQLYEYDV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES
CCCCCCCCP(=O)(CCCCCCCC)CCCCCCCC
Product Introduction
Trioctylphosphine Oxide (CAS No. 78-50-2), commonly abbreviated as TOPO, is an organophosphorus compound containing a phosphoryl group and three octyl chains. The phosphoryl oxygen provides strong coordination ability toward metal ions and inorganic surfaces, while the long alkyl chains provide hydrophobic and surface-stabilizing properties.
Trioctylphosphine Oxide is widely used in quantum dot synthesis, semiconductor nanocrystals, nanoparticle surface modification, metal extraction, coordination chemistry, and advanced materials research.
TOPO has historically been an important coordinating ligand and high-boiling reaction medium for colloidal nanocrystal synthesis. Its ability to coordinate with precursor species and nanoparticle surfaces can help control nucleation, crystal growth, particle dispersion, and surface chemistry.
Mechanism / Principle
Coordination and Surface Stabilization
The phosphoryl oxygen of Trioctylphosphine Oxide acts as a donor site for metal ions and metal-containing surfaces.
In nanomaterial synthesis:
- TOPO coordinates with metal-containing precursor species.
- The phosphoryl oxygen can interact with growing nanocrystal surfaces.
- Surface coordination can influence nucleation and crystal growth.
- The long octyl chains provide steric stabilization.
- Surface interactions can reduce uncontrolled nanoparticle aggregation.
- The coordination environment can influence nanoparticle size and morphology.
These properties make TOPO particularly useful in colloidal nanocrystal and quantum-dot synthesis.
Key Research Applications
1. Quantum Dot Synthesis
Trioctylphosphine Oxide is a widely used coordinating ligand and reaction medium in colloidal semiconductor nanocrystal research.
Applications include:
- Quantum dot synthesis
- Semiconductor nanocrystals
- Colloidal nanomaterials
- Nanocrystal growth control
- Surface passivation research
2. Semiconductor Nanomaterials
TOPO can coordinate with semiconductor precursor species and nanocrystal surfaces.
Applications include:
- Semiconductor nanocrystal synthesis
- Metal chalcogenide nanomaterials
- Quantum-confined materials
- Nanocrystal surface chemistry
- Optoelectronic nanomaterials
3. Nanoparticle Surface Modification
TOPO can function as a surface ligand and stabilizer for colloidal nanoparticles.
Applications include:
- Nanoparticle stabilization
- Surface functionalization
- Colloidal dispersion
- Ligand–surface interaction studies
- Nanomaterial processing
4. Metal Extraction and Separation
The phosphoryl group of TOPO provides strong complexation ability toward selected metal ions, supporting its use in solvent-extraction research and industrial separation processes.
Applications include:
- Metal-ion extraction
- Uranium extraction research
- Zirconium separation
- Hafnium separation
- Hydrometallurgical research
5. Coordination Chemistry
TOPO can serve as a neutral donor ligand in metal coordination chemistry.
Applications include:
- Metal–ligand interaction studies
- Coordination complex research
- Organometallic chemistry
- Metal speciation
- Ligand screening
6. Catalysis and Organic Synthesis
TOPO is also used in selected transition-metal-catalyzed and synthetic transformations. Commercial research products are documented for applications involving Buchwald-Hartwig, Heck, Hiyama, Negishi, Sonogashira, Stille, and Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reactions.
Applications include:
- Cross-coupling research
- Transition-metal catalysis
- Organic synthesis
- Synthetic methodology development
- Catalyst and ligand research
7. Advanced Materials Research
TOPO can help control the surface chemistry and processing characteristics of nanostructured materials.
Applications include:
- Functional nanomaterials
- Colloidal materials
- Surface engineering
- Nanocrystal processing
- Advanced materials development
Advantages
- Strong phosphoryl oxygen coordination ability
- Well-established coordinating ligand for nanomaterials
- Suitable for quantum-dot synthesis
- Useful for semiconductor nanocrystal research
- Provides surface stabilization for colloidal nanoparticles
- Useful for metal-ion extraction
- Applicable to coordination chemistry
- Suitable for advanced materials research
- Available in research and analytical grades
Storage & Handling
- Store in a tightly sealed container.
- Keep in a cool, dry, and dark environment.
- Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
- Minimize unnecessary exposure to air and contaminants.
- Commercial specifications commonly recommend storage at room temperature in a cool, dark place; TCI specifies below 15°C.
- Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents.
- Handle powders and crystals carefully to minimize dust generation.
- Wear appropriate laboratory personal protective equipment.
- Consult the product-specific SDS before use.
Research Areas
Researchers working in the following fields may benefit from Trioctylphosphine Oxide (CAS No. 78-50-2):
- Nanomaterials
- Quantum dots
- Semiconductor nanocrystals
- Colloidal nanomaterials
- Surface chemistry
- Coordination chemistry
- Metal extraction
- Materials science
- Organometallic chemistry
- Catalysis
Q1: What is Trioctylphosphine Oxide?
A: Trioctylphosphine Oxide is an organophosphorus compound with CAS No. 78-50-2 and molecular formula C₂₄H₅₁OP. It is commonly abbreviated as TOPO.
Q2: What is Trioctylphosphine Oxide used for?
A: It is mainly used in quantum-dot synthesis, semiconductor nanocrystals, nanoparticle surface modification, metal extraction, coordination chemistry, and materials research.
Q3: What is the molecular weight of Trioctylphosphine Oxide?
A: The molecular weight is approximately 386.63–386.65 g/mol.
Q4: What does TOPO stand for?
A: TOPO stands for Trioctylphosphine Oxide.
Q5: Is Trioctylphosphine Oxide used in quantum-dot synthesis?
A: Yes. TOPO has been widely used as a coordinating ligand and high-boiling reaction medium in colloidal semiconductor nanocrystal and quantum-dot synthesis.
Q6: Is Trioctylphosphine Oxide a phosphine?
A: No. Trioctylphosphine Oxide is a phosphine oxide. It contains a phosphoryl P=O group and three octyl groups.
Q7: What is the physical form of Trioctylphosphine Oxide?
A: It is generally supplied as a white to off-white powder, crystals, flakes, or solid. Its melting point is approximately 50–56°C, depending on specification.
Q8: Is Trioctylphosphine Oxide the same as Tri-n-octylphosphine Oxide?
A: Yes. Trioctylphosphine Oxide and Tri-n-octylphosphine Oxide refer to the same compound with CAS No. 78-50-2. For this product page, Trioctylphosphine Oxide is used as the primary product name.
