Diruthenium phosphide

Diruthenium phosphide is a binary inorganic compound of ruthenium metal and phosphorus with the chemical formula Ru2P.

Preparation
Diruthenium phosphide can be prepared by heating both elements in vacuum at above 1000 °C:


 * 8 Ru + P4 -> 4Ru2P

Properties
Diruthenium phosphide forms crystals of rhombic crystal system; the structure of the lead dichloride type.

Uses
Diruthenium phosphide can be used as a catalyst.