Can Phosphine Be Produced Naturally?

As far as we know, on rocky planets such as Venus and Earth, phosphine can only be made by life—whether human or microbe. ... But phosphine is also made naturally by some species of anaerobic bacteria—organisms that live in the oxygen-starved environments of landfills, marshlands, and even animal guts.

How is phosphine made?

Phosphine is formed by the action of a strong base or hot water on white phosphorus or by the reaction of water with calcium phosphide (Ca3P2). ... The organic derivatives of phosphine are usually made by substitution reactions using the readily available phosphorus trichloride (PCl3).

How is phosphine produced naturally?

Phosphine is formed naturally via the anaerobic decay of phosphorus-containing organic matter. ... Phosphine is made industrially from white phosphorus by hydrolysis with an alkali metal hydroxide or an aqueous acid–catalyzed disproportionation reaction.

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.