359. Aluminum Phosphide

Nomenclature

CAS number: 20859-73-8
Celphos (Excel); Phostoxin (Degesch); Quickphos (United Phosphorus).
AlP; mol wt 57.96.
Al 46.55%, P 53.44%.

Description and references

Prepd from red phosphorus and aluminum powder: White, Bushey, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 66, 1666 (1944); Inorg. Synth. 4, 23 (1953); Montignie, Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr. 1946, 276; from Al and Zn2P3: Wang et al., J. Inorg. Nucl. Chem. 25, 326 (1963). Use as insecticidal fumigant: W. Freyberg, W. Haupt, US 2117158 (1938 to Freyberg).

Properties

Dark gray or dark yellow crystals. Cubic zinc blende structure. Poisonous. Dangerous when wet. Reacts readily with moist air to produce toxic phosphine gas. d415 2.85 (Montignie); d 2.40 (Wang et al.). Does not melt or decompose thermally at temps up to 1000°. Treatment with water and acid produces phosphine in quantitative yields.

Use

Source of phosphine, q.v.; in semiconductor research; as fumigant.