The compound is classified as an ylide and as such carries significant negative charge on carbon.

[1] The compound has attracted attention as an unusual ligand in organometallic chemistry.

Both polymorphs are photoluminescent, with respective peak wavelengths at 540 and 575 nm.

[3] The compound was originally prepared by deprotonation of the phosphonium salt [HC(PPh3)2]Br using potassium.

[4] An improved procedure entails production of the same double phosphonium salt from methylene bromide.