to treat osteoporosis. The nerve gas agent sarin, containing both C–P and F–P bonds, is a phosphonate. Phosphinates feature two P–C bonds, with the general formula R2P(=O)(OR'). A commercially significant member is the herbicide glufosinate. Similar to glyphosate mentioned above, it has the structure CH3P(O)(OH)CH2CH2CH(NH2)CO2H. The Michaelis–Arbuzov reaction is the main method for the synthesis of these compounds. For example, dimethylmethylphosphonate (see figure above) arises from the rearrangement of trimethylphosphite, which is catalyzed by methyl iodide. In the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction and the Seyferth–Gilbert homologation, phosphonates are used in reactions with carbonyl compounds. The Kabachnik–Fields reaction is a method for the preparation of aminophosphonates. These compounds contain a very inert bond between phosphorus and carbon. Consequently, they hydrolyze to give phosphonic and phosphinic acid derivatives, but not phosphate. Phosphine oxides, imides, and chalcogenides Phosphine oxides (designation σ4λ5) have the general structure R3P=O with formal oxidation state V. Phosphine oxides form hydrogen bonds and some are therefore soluble in water. The P=O bond is very polar with a dipole moment of 4.51 D for triphenylphosphine oxide. Compounds related to phosphine oxides include phosphine imides (R3PNR') and related chalcogenides (R3PE, where E = S, Se, Te). These compounds are some of the most thermally stable organophosphorus compounds. Phosphonium salts and phosphoranes Compounds with the formula [PR4+]X− comprise the phosphonium salts. These species are tetrahedral phosphorus(V) compounds. From the commercial perspective, the most important member is tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride, [P(CH2OH)4]Cl, which is used as a fire retardant in textiles. Approximately 2M kg are produced annually of the chloride and the related sulfate. They are generated by the reaction of phosphine with formaldehyde in the presence of the mineral acid: PH3 + HX + 4 CH2O → [P(CH2OH)4+]X− A variety of phosphonium salts can be prepared by alkylation and arylation of organophosphines: PR3 + R'X → [PR3R'+]X− The methylation of triphenylphosphine is the first step in the preparation of the Wittig reagent. The parent phosphorane (σ5λ5) is PH5, which is unknown. Related compounds containing both halide and organic substituents on phosphorus are fairly common. Those with five organic substituents are rare, although P(C6H5)5 is known, being derived from P(C6H5)4+ by reaction with phenyllithium. Phosphorus ylides are unsaturated phosphoranes, known as Wittig reagents, e.g. CH2P(C6H5)3. These compounds feature tetrahedral phosphorus(V) and are considered relatives of phosphine oxides. They also are derived from phosphonium salts, but by deprotonation not alkylation. Organophosphorus(III) compounds, main categories Phosphites, phosphonites, and phosphinites