Process for making tertiary alkylphosphines

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Tertiary alkylphosphines of the general formula R3P in, which R stands for identical or different linear, unsubsti-, tuted alkyl groups having 3 to 20 carbon atoms with the pro-, viso however that one of the alkyl groups may be a secondary butyl group, are made by reacting hydrogen phosphide PH3 with an appropriate alkene or alkenes in stoichiometric excess if, desired, at elevated temperature and under increased pressure in contact with a radical-yielding agent. 2,2'-azobis-(2-methylbutyronitrile) is used as the radical-yielding agent in the absence of whatever alien solvent.