Lithium phosphide


Lithium phosphide is an inorganic compound of lithium and phosphorus with the chemical formula. This dark colored compound is formally the lithium salt of phosphine, consisting of lithium cations and phosphide anions. It is hazardous to handle because of its high reactivity toward air.

Synthesis

Heating red phosphorus and lithium in an argon atmosphere:
Reaction of monolithium phosphide and lithium:

Physical and chemical properties

Lithium phosphide forms red-brown crystals of hexagonal systems, space group P63/mmc, cell parameters a = 0.4264 nm, c = 0.7579 nm, Z = 2.
The compound is a very strong base, and reacts with water to release phosphine:

Uses

The compound is proposed to be used as a potential electrolyte for solid-state devices.

Related compounds

Reaction of lithium with red phosphorus at 870 °C gives.

Safety

phosphides are dangerous compounds when exposed to oxygen or moisture.