Bismuth phosphide is a proposed inorganic compound with the chemical formula BiP. The structure of this material is unknown.
Synthesis One route entails the reaction of sodium phosphide and bismuth trichloride in toluene (0 °C):
Another method uses tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine in place of the sodium phosphide.
Physical properties When heated in air, bismuth phosphide burns.
When heated in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide, a gradual volatilization of phosphorus is observed.
Chemical properties This compound is oxidized when boiled in water.
All strong acids dissolve it.
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