What does phosphide mean?
A phosphide is a chemical compound formed when phosphorus combines with a more electropositive element, especially a metal. The term includes a broad family of substances such as calcium phosphide, iron phosphide, and gallium phosphide, whose properties vary considerably according to the other element involved. In many common phosphides, phosphorus forms the tri-negative ion P³⁻, giving these compounds a distinctive role in solid-state and inorganic chemistry. Some phosphides react readily with water, while others are stable refractory materials, semiconductors, or components of alloys. The word is distinct from phosphate and phosphite, which are compounds in which phosphorus is bonded differently and generally has a different oxidation state. Phosphides are discussed mainly in chemistry, materials science, mineralogy, and chemical engineering.
nounA chemical compound of phosphorus with a more electropositive element, usually a metal. In a typical phosphide, phosphorus forms the anion P³⁻.
- A compound of phosphorus with another element, especially a metal, in which phosphorus commonly forms the P³⁻ ion.
"Calcium phosphide reacts with water to release phosphine gas."
"The mineral contains small inclusions of iron phosphide."
"Researchers studied the structure of a semiconductor made from gallium phosphide."
The plural refers to different phosphide compounds, ions, or materials.
"Several phosphides are used in specialized industrial applications."
Phosphides put phosphorus in an unusual role: rather than combining with oxygen, it often acts as the electron-gaining part of a compound.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does phosphide come from?
Phosphide was formed in the 19th century from phosphorus and the chemical suffix -ide, which indicates a negatively charged ion or a binary compound involving a more electropositive element. The underlying element name phosphorus comes from Greek phōs, meaning “light,” and phoros, meaning “bearing,” in reference to the element’s then-notable luminous properties. Related chemical terms include phosphate, phosphite, and phosphonium.
How phosphide is actually used
This is primarily a chemistry term. The word is not normally used for a single free phosphorus atom, and plural forms refer to different phosphide compounds or ions.
Easily confused with phosphide
A phosphide contains phosphorus in a strongly reduced chemical state, whereas a phosphite contains phosphorus in a different, more oxidized bonding environment and generally has a hydrogen-containing anion.