Molybdenum diphosphide

Molybdenum diphosphide is a binary inorganic compound of molybdenum metal and phosphorus with the chemical formula MoP2.[1][2]

Molybdenum diphosphide
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
  • InChI=1S/Mo.2P
    Key: YDGMHDVXDKIUNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • [Mo].[P].[P]
Properties
MoP2
Molar mass 157.90 g·mol−1
Appearance black crystals
Density 5.35 g/cm3
insoluble
Related compounds
Related compounds
Molybdenum monophosphide, Trimolybdenum phosphide
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Synthesis

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Molybdenum diphosphide can be obtained by heating molybdenum with red phosphorus in a closed tube at 550 °C:

Mo + 2P → MoP2

Properties

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Molybdenum diphosphide forms black crystals of orthorhombic crystal system with space group A21am.[3][4] It is insoluble in water. It decomposes when heated, releasing molybdenum monophosphide and white phosphorus:

4MoP2 → 4MoP + P4

Uses

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Molybdenum diphosphide can be used as a catalyst.[5]

References

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