Sodium phosphide

Sodium phosphide is a chemical compound. It contains sodium and phosphide ions. Its chemical formula is Na3P.

Properties
Sodium phosphide is a black solid. It is ionic. There are several other sodium phosphides that do not have the formula Na3P. It reacts with acids to make phosphine gas. It is a reducing agent.

Preparation
It can be made by reacting liquid sodium with phosphorus(V) chloride. It can also be made by reacting sodium with phosphorus. 

Uses
It is used to make semiconductors. It can also be used as a catalyst. 

Safety
Sodium phosphide is flammable, making toxic gases when burned. It also makes toxic flammable gases when reacted with acids.

Related pages
Sodium phosphate
Sodium phosphite
Sodium hypophosphite

Category:Phosphorus compounds
Category:Sodium compounds