Solid-State Investigation, Storage, and Separation of Pyrophoric PH and P H with α-Mg Formate.

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