CH611311

Production of organophosphines of the general formula RnPH3-n, in which R stands for identical or different, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl or aralkyl groups having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 2 carbon atoms, and n stands for a whole number within the range 1 and 3. The compounds are more particularly produced by continuously reacting hydrocarbon halides of the general formula RX, in which R has the meaning given hereinabove and X stands for halogen, especially for chlorine or bromine, with hydrogen phosphide, and primary or secondary organophosphines at temperatures within the range 100 DEG and 600 DEG C. and under pressures of up to 20 atmospheres in contact with a catalyst being placed in a reactor. Gaseous matter issuing from the reactor is cooled and the resulting organophosphonium halides (RnPH4-n)X are hydrolyzed in conventional manner to the corresponding organophosphines.