Bismuth phosphide

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):
 * Na3P + BiCl3 -> BiP + 3 NaCl

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.