Preparation
The first preparation of Na3P was first reported in the mid-19th century. French researcher, Alexandre Baudrimont prepared sodium phosphide by reacting molten sodium with phosphorus pentachloride.
- 8 Na(l) + PCl5 → 5NaCl + Na3P
Many different routes to Na3P have been described. Due to its flammability and toxicity, Na3P (and related salts) are generally prepared in situ. White phosphorus is reduced by sodium-potassium alloy to give the phosphide salt.
The conversion of white phosphorus to the phosphide has been well studied. Phosphorus reacts with sodium in an autoclave at 150 °C for 5 hours to produce Na3P.
- P4 + 12 Na → 4 Na3P
Alternatively the reaction can be conducted at normal pressures but using a temperatures gradient to generate nonvolatile NaxP phases (x < 3) that then react further with sodium. In some cases, an electron-transfer agent, such as naphthalene, is used. In such applications, the naphthalene forms the soluble radical anions and more rapidly reduces the phosphorus.
Read more about this topic: Sodium Phosphide
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