Iron(I) phosphide

Iron(I) phosphide is an inorganic compound of iron and phosphorus with the chemical formula Fe₃P.^[2][3]

Iron(I) phosphide

Identifiers
CAS Number	12023-53-9
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	21884688
ECHA InfoCard	100.031.517
EC Number	234-682-8
PubChem CID	329761422
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID50276470
InChI InChI=1S/3Fe.P Key: KFSKMQQNHSLZRJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES P12[Fe]3[Fe]1[Fe]23
Properties
Chemical formula	Fe3P
Molar mass	204.01
Appearance	Gray to blue-gray powder
Density	6.74 g/cm3
Melting point	1,370 °C (2,500 °F; 1,640 K)
Solubility in water	Insoluble
Structure
Crystal structure	tetragonal
Hazards
GHS labelling:
Pictograms	[1]
Signal word	Warning
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Fe₃P occurs naturally as a mineral called schreibersite in some meteorites. Some iron may be replaced by nickel.^[4]

Synthesis

Iron(I) phosphide can be prepared by the chemical reaction of iron and phosphorus at high temperature.^[5]

3Fe + P → Fe₃P

Physical properties

The compound forms gray to blue-gray crystals of a tetragonal system, space group I4.^[4]

It is insoluble in water.^[6] Soluble in nitric acid, HF, aqua regia.^[7]

Fe₃P decomposes on melting.^[4]

Chemical properties

Iron(I) phosphide reacts with moisture and acids to produce phosphine PH₃, a toxic, self-igniting gas.^[8]

Uses

The compound is a semiconductor widely used in high-power and high-frequency applications, such as laser diodes.^{[9][dubious – discuss]}