Phosphides
Phosphides are a class of chemical compounds containing the phosphide ion, P^3−, or more complicated phosphorus anions. They are a subset of the broader family of phosphorus compounds. Phosphides are important in various applications, including semiconductors, pesticides, and as a means of producing phosphine gas.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Phosphides are formed when phosphorus reacts with metals to form compounds with the general formula MP_x, where M represents a metal and x indicates the number of phosphorus atoms. Depending on the metal, phosphides can exhibit a range of properties from ionic to covalent character. Ionic phosphides tend to form with more electropositive metals, while covalent phosphides are associated with less electropositive metals.
Types of Phosphides[edit | edit source]
Phosphides can be broadly categorized into two types: ionic and covalent phosphides.
Ionic Phosphides[edit | edit source]
Ionic phosphides are formed with metals that are highly electropositive. These compounds are characterized by their ionic bonding and typically exhibit high melting points and electrical conductivity. Examples include calcium phosphide (Ca_3P_2) and aluminum phosphide (AlP).
Covalent Phosphides[edit | edit source]
Covalent phosphides are formed with less electropositive metals. These compounds are characterized by their covalent bonding and generally have lower melting points and electrical conductivity compared to ionic phosphides. An example is gallium phosphide (GaP), which is used in semiconductors.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Phosphides have a wide range of applications due to their varied properties.
Semiconductors[edit | edit source]
Certain phosphides, such as gallium phosphide and indium phosphide (InP), are used in the semiconductor industry for manufacturing LEDs, laser diodes, and other optoelectronic devices due to their direct bandgap properties.
Pesticides[edit | edit source]
Aluminum phosphide and calcium phosphide are commonly used as fumigants in agriculture to control pests. They react with moisture to release phosphine gas, which is toxic to insects and rodents.
Phosphine Production[edit | edit source]
Phosphides are also used in the production of phosphine gas, a valuable reagent in organic synthesis and a fumigant in its own right. This is typically achieved by hydrolysis of a metal phosphide, such as aluminum phosphide.
Safety and Environmental Concerns[edit | edit source]
The use of phosphides, especially as pesticides, raises safety and environmental concerns. Phosphine gas produced from phosphides is highly toxic and poses risks to human health if not handled properly. Environmental impacts include potential harm to non-target species, including beneficial insects and wildlife.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Phosphides play a crucial role in various industrial applications, from electronics to agriculture. However, their use, especially in pest control, necessitates careful handling and consideration of environmental impacts. Ongoing research aims to improve the safety and efficiency of phosphides in their various applications.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD