Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references
Chemical compound
Lithium phosphide is an inorganic compound of lithium and phosphorus with the chemical formula Li3P. This dark colored compound is formally the lithium salt of phosphine, consisting of lithium cations Li+ and phosphide anions P3−. It is hazardous to handle because of its high reactivity toward air.[1]
Synthesis
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Heating red phosphorus and lithium in an argon atmosphere:[1]
12 Li + P4 → 4 Li3P
Reaction of monolithium phosphide and lithium:
LiP + 2 Li → Li3P
Physical and chemical properties
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Lithium phosphide forms red-brown crystals of hexagonal systems, space group P63/mmc,[2] cell parameters a = 0.4264 nm, c = 0.7579 nm, Z = 2.[3][4]
The compound is a very strong base, and reacts with water to release phosphine:[5]
Li3P + 3 H2O → 3 LiOH + PH3
Uses
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The compound is proposed to be used as a potential electrolyte for solid-state devices.[6]
Related compounds
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Reaction of lithium with red phosphorus at 870 °C gives Li3P7.[7]
Alkali metal phosphides are dangerous compounds when exposed to oxygen or moisture.[8]
References
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^ abE. Donges (1963). "Phosphides, Arsenides, Antimonides and Bismuthides of Alkali Metals from the Elements". In G. Brauer (ed.). Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry, 2nd Ed. Vol. 2. NY, NY: Academic Press. p. 985.
^Manriquez, V.; Hönle, W.; von Schnering, H. G. (1986). "Zur Chemie und Strukturchemie von Phosphiden und Polyphosphiden. 42. Trilithiumheptaphosphid Li3P7: Darstellung, Struktur und Eigenschaften". Zeitschrift für Anorganische und Allgemeine Chemie. 539 (8): 95–109. doi:10.1002/zaac.19865390810.