Organophosphorus Compound

Name:
Organophosphorus Compound
Detailed information:
Any organic compound containing phosphorus as a constituent. These fall into several groups, chief of which are the following: (1) phospholipids, or phosphatides, which are widely distributed in nature in the form of lecithin, certain proteins, and nucleic acids; (2) esters of phosphinic and phosphonic acids, used as plasticizers, insecticides, resin modifiers, and flame-retardants; (3) pyrophosphates, e.g., tetraethyl pyrophosphate, which are the basis for a broad group of cholinesterase inhibitors used as insecticides; (4) phosphoric esters of glycerol, glycol, sorbitol, etc., which are components of fertilizers. While many of these compounds play an important part in animal metabolism, those in group (3) are toxic and should be handled with extreme care.