[1] PEt3 is usually prepared using Grignard reagents: PEt3 reacts with strong acids to give salts [HPEt3]X.

Triethylphosphine is a highly basic ligand that forms coordination complexes with many metals.

[3] Being a relatively compact phosphine, several can bind to a single transition metal, as illustrated by the existence of Pt(PEt3)4.

[4] As a phosphine ligand, triethylphosphine gained acceptance earlier than did the simpler trimethylphosphine, as illustrated by the preparation of the hydride complex trans-PtHCl(PEt3)2.

It converts to a low toxicity phosphine oxide upon treatment with sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide.