Layered calcium phenylphosphonate: Synthesis and properties

Calcium phenylphosphonate, Ca(HO₃PPh)₂, was synthesized by the reaction of calcium nitrate and phenylphosphonic acid. A thorough investigation was performed to study the effect of reaction parameters on the synthesis and growth of crystalline product in a high yield. The compound was structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. It consists of a layered structure with inorganic framework of CaO₈ polyhedra from which phenyl groups are pointing out. The inorganic framework is also stabilized by the OH⋯O hydrogen bonds. Results from thermal analysis by thermogravimetry and thermodiffractometry revealed that calcium phenylphosphonate is stable up to 300°C. The compound undergoes consequent thermal decomposition and phase transitions above 300°C temperatures until it converts to δ-Ca(PO₃)₂ at 620°C.