Lithium phosphide
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Through Phosphorus, Chemical formula and Salt (chemistry)
Synthesis
Heating red phosphorus and lithium in an argon atmosphere:
- 12 Li + P4 → 4 Li3P
Reaction of monolithium phosphide and lithium:
- LiP + 2 Li → Li3P
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Physical and chemical properties
Lithium phosphide forms red-brown crystals of hexagonal systems, space group P63/mmc, cell parameters a = 0.4264 nm, c = 0.7579 nm, Z = 2.
The compound reacts with water to release phosphine:
- Li3P + 3 H2O → 3 LiOH + PH3
Uses
The compound is proposed to be used as a potential electrolyte for solid-state devices.
Related compounds
Reaction of lithium with red phosphorus at 870 °C gives Li3P7.
Safety
Alkali metal phosphides are dangerous compounds when exposed to oxygen or moisture.