Holmium phosphide


Holmium phosphide is a binary inorganic compound of holmium and phosphorus with the chemical formula HoP. The compound forms dark crystals, is stable in air, and does not dissolve in water.

Synthesis

Heating powdered holmium and red phosphorus in an inert atmosphere or vacuum:

Properties

HoP belongs to the large class of NaCl-structured rare earth monopnictides.
Ferromagnetic at low temperatures.
HoP actively reacts with nitric acid.

Uses

The compound is a semiconductor used in high power, high frequency applications and in laser diodes.