Abstract
The structural data for acyclic organophosphorus compounds published up to 1971 have been systematically reviewed. The geometrical parameters obtained for these compounds have been classified in accordance with the concepts of the valence states of the atoms in the molecules and the types of chemical bonds. Certain general relations governing the geometrical structure of the molecules have been noted on the basis of this classification. The geometrical parameters for a specific phosphorus–element bond may vary within limits greatly exceeding the experimental error as a result of the influence of the immediate environment of the bond. However, the study of the problem of the mutual influence of atoms not linked directly is difficult owing to the lack of the necessary experimental data. The results of the determination of the conformations of acyclic organophosphorus compounds are presented.
The bibliography includes 231 references.