phosphide
Definition
- Noun:
- Chemical compound: "phosphide" refers to a binary compound of phosphorus with another element, typically a metal, where phosphorus has a negative oxidation state.
- Inorganic chemistry: Specifically, it denotes a compound formed by the direct combination of phosphorus with a more electropositive element, such as a metal or hydrogen.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The chemist synthesized a calcium phosphide for use in pyrotechnics. (A compound of calcium and phosphorus.)
- Metal phosphides are often used as rodenticides due to their toxicity. (Compounds of phosphorus and metals.)
Advanced Usage
"Aluminium phosphide": a specific phosphide used as a fumigant and pesticide.
- Aluminium phosphide reacts with moisture to produce toxic phosphine gas. (A compound used in agriculture for pest control.)
"Transition metal phosphide": a class of compounds studied for catalytic properties.
- Transition metal phosphides are promising catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions. (Phosphides of metals like nickel or iron.)
Variants and Related Words
Phosphide ion (n): the negatively charged phosphorus ion (P³⁻) in such compounds.
- The phosphide ion is isoelectronic with sulfide and chloride. (The ion with a 3⁻ charge.)
Phosphine (n): a related compound, PH₃, derived from phosphides by hydrolysis.
- Phosphine gas is produced when metal phosphides react with water. (A toxic gas.)
Synonyms
- Binary phosphorus compound: a compound consisting of phosphorus and one other element.
- Phosphorus salt: a salt containing the phosphide anion (though not strictly a salt in all cases).
Phrasal Verbs
- : "phosphide" is a noun and does not form phrasal verbs.
Related Idioms
- : "phosphide" is a technical term with no idiomatic usage.