PHOSPHIDE

Definition

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.