strontium phosphide

Description

Strontium phosphide has the molecular formula of Sr3P2 and the molecular weight of 324.8075 g/mol. Its CAS number is 12504-13-1. It is a black crystalline material with a melting point of 1205°C. Its density is 2.71 g/cm³. It readily reacts with water to form phosphine, PH3, but is insoluble in ethanol.
It is easily prepared by reacting the metal with red phosphorus at high temperature. The best way is to sublime the P4 at 450°C in an inert gas stream and react it with Sr metal at 650°C:
6Sr + 2P4 ? 2Sr3P4
Strontium phosphide is a solid which will evolve flammable and toxic gases on contact with water. It also can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. In general, materials in this group are incompatible with oxidizers such as atmospheric oxygen. They are violently incompatible with acids, particularly oxidizing acids.

General Description

strontium phosphide is a solid which will evolve flammable and toxic gasses on contact with water. strontium phosphide is a highly reactive material used as a laboratory reagent and in the manufacture of chemically reactive devices.

Air & Water Reactions

Decomposed by water or moisture in air evolving toxic phosphine which often ignites.

Reactivity Profile

strontium phosphide is a reducing agent. They slowly generate flammable or noxious gases in contact with water. Phosphides react quickly upon contact with moisture or acids to give the very toxic gas phosphine; phosphides also can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. In general, materials in this group are incompatible with oxidizers such as atmospheric oxygen. They are violently incompatible with acids, particularly oxidizing acids.

Health Hazard

Highly toxic: contact with water produces toxic gas, may be fatal if inhaled. Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. May produce corrosive solutions on contact with water. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.