Lanthanum phosphide
Lanthanum phosphide is an inorganic compound of lanthanum and phosphorus with the chemical formula LaP.[1][2][3]
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Other names
Phosphanylidynelanthanum | |
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3D model (JSmol) |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.042.515 |
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Properties | |
LaP | |
Molar mass | 169.88 |
Appearance | Black crystals |
Density | 5.2 g/cm3 |
Reacts with water | |
Structure | |
Cubic | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references |
Synthesis
Lanthanum phosphide can be made by heating lanthanum metal with excess phosphorus in a vacuum:[4]
- 4 La + P4 → 4 LaP
Physical properties
Lanthanum phosphide forms black crystals of a cubic system, space group Fm3m, cell parameters a = 0.601 nm, with number of formulas per unit cell Z = 4.
The crystals are very unstable and decompose in the open air.
Chemical properties
Lanthanum phosphide reacts with water, releasing highly toxic phosphine gas:
- LaP + 3H2O → La(OH)3 + PH3
Uses
Lanthanum phosphide compound is a semiconductor used in high power, high frequency applications, and in laser diodes.[1][5][6]
Lanthanum polyphosphide
In addition to the simple phosphide, LaP, lanthanum and phosphorus can also form phosphorus-rich compounds such as LaP5[7] and LaP7.
References
- "Lanthanum Phosphide". American Elements. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
- NBS Monograph. National Bureau of Standards. 1959. p. 189. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
- Standard X-ray Diffraction Powder Patterns. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards. 1953. p. 69. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
- Journal of General Chemistry of the U.S.S.R. in English Translation. Consultants Bureau. 1963. p. 2729. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
- Lewis, Robert A. (30 March 2016). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-1-119-19372-2. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
- O'Bannon, Loran (6 December 2012). Dictionary of Ceramic Science and Engineering. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 151. ISBN 978-1-4613-2655-7. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
- Wichelhaus, W.; Schnering, H. (1976). "Zur Chemie und Strukturchemie der Phosphide und Polyphosphide. 12. Die Pentaphosphide des Lanthans und Neodyms, LaP5 und NdP5". Zeitschrift für Anorganische und Allgemeine Chemie. 419: 77–86. doi:10.1002/ZAAC.19764190113. S2CID 97289383.