Holmium phosphide (HoP) is a binary inorganic compound composed of holmium and phosphorus. It’s a chemical compound made up of the rare earth element holmium (Ho) and the element phosphorus (P). Water does not dissolve the chemical, which forms black crystals. It’s classified as an intermetallic compound. Phosphorus is a nonmetal with the atomic number 15 and holmium is a lanthanide element with the atomic number 67.
Synthesis
Heating powdered holmium and red phosphorus in an inert atmosphere or vacuum:
4Ho + P4 ⟶ 4 HoP
Holmium phosphide is a solid chemical that has a crystalline structure. Its hue varies depending on the preparation and impurities, although it is typically grayish or blackish. The melting point of holmium phosphide varies, but it commonly melts at high temperatures. It is usually an insulator, which means that it does not conduct electricity well.
Properties
Holmium phosphide forms dark crystals of a cubic system, stable in air, does not dissolve in water. HoP belongs to the large class of NaCl-structured rare earth monopnictides.
- Chemical formula: HoP
- Molar mass: 195.90
- Appearance: Dark crystals
- Density: g/cm3
- Solubility in water: Insoluble
Holmium is known for its strong magnetic properties, and holmium phosphide is expected to exhibit similar behavior due to the presence of holmium. Holmium is a rare earth element with one of the highest magnetic moments of all elements. Like other rare earth compounds, holmium phosphide is relatively stable under normal conditions. It is not highly reactive with air or water.
Uses
Although holmium phosphide is not as often studied or explored as some other rare earth element compounds, it may have applications in materials science and semiconductor technology. The substance is a semiconductor that is employed in high-power, high-frequency applications as well as laser diodes.
Due to the unique properties of rare earth elements, rare earth compounds such as holmium phosphide can exhibit fascinating magnetic, electrical, and optical capabilities. Specific features and applications of holmium phosphide, however, would necessitate additional research and development.
