Definition

A type of chemical compound that contains phosphorus and behaves like a positively charged ion, similar to ammonium.

Example

Phosphonium compounds are often used in organic chemistry as intermediates in various reactions.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of phosphonium before?

Yeah, I think it's related to phosphine, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how it forms a cation.

Right, it’s like an organic version of ammonium.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Phosphonium is formed from "phospho-" (from Greek "phosphoros", meaning light-bringer or phosphorus) and "-nium" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote a cation or positively charged ion). The word refers to a positively charged ion derived from phosphorus, often used in chemical contexts.

Memory Tip

Think of 'phospho-' meaning 'light-bringer' and remember that 'phosphonium' refers to a positively charged ion related to phosphorus, which is essential in many chemical reactions.

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