A compound of
phosphorus with a more electropositive element.
Definition
phosphide: A binary compound ofphosphorus with a more electropositiveelement. Phosphides show awide range of properties. Alkali andalkaline earth metals form ionicphosphides, such as Na3P and Ca3P2,which are readily hydrolysed bywater. The other transition-metalphosphides are inert metallic-lookingsolids with high melting points andelectrical conductivities.
