Phosphine is produced industrially by reaction of white phosphorous with sodium/potassium hydroxide producing sodium or potassium phosphite as a byproduct.
3KOH(hotconc.)+P4+3H2O⟶3KH2PO2+PH3
The thermal decomposition of hypophorous acid to produce phosphine is phosphorous acid. This reaction takes place at a temperature of 50℃−140℃
3H3PO2△PH3+2H3PO3
Orthophosphorous acid also gives phosphine when heated
4H3PO3△⟶3H3PO4+PH3
Calcium phosphide when reacted with excess of water to produce calcium hydroxide and phosphine gas.