Copper(I) phosphide
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| Copper(I) phosphide | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name | copper(I) phosphide |
| Other names | copper phosphide, cuprous phosphide |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | [12019-57-7] |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | Cu3P |
| Molar mass | 221.6127 g/mol |
| Appearance | yellowish grey crystals |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references |
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Copper phosphide, Cu3P, also copper(I) phosphide, cuprous phosphide, cuprophosphorus and phosphor copper, is a compound of copper and phosphorus, a phosphide of copper. It has the appearance of yellowish-grey very brittle mass of crystalline structure. It does not react with water. Its CAS number is [].
Copper phosphide has a role in copper alloys, namely in phosphor bronze. It is a very good deoxidizer of copper.
Copper phosphide can be produced in a reverberatory furnace or in a crucible, eg. by a reaction of red phosphorus with a copper-rich material. It can also be prepared photochemically, by irradiating cupric hypophosphite with ultraviolet radiation. [1]
When subjected to ultraviolet light, copper phosphide shows fluorescence.
A blue-black film of copper phosphide forms on white phosphorus when subjected to a solution of copper salt; wounds containing particles of phosphorus therefore have to be washed with 1% solution of copper sulfate. The particles then can be easily removed, which is helped by their fluorescence. [2] Formation of protective layer of copper phosphide is also used in cases of phosphorus ingestion, when gastric lavage with copper sulfate is employed as part of the cure. [3]
