Na-P (Sodium-Phosphorus) System

There are no liquidus or solubility data available for this system [2001Bor]. A large number of Na-P compounds has been prepared and identified. Phosphorus forms many polyatomic groups (rings and cages), and Baudler [1982Bau, 1987Bau3] has pointed out the analogies between phosphorus and carbon chemistry. The preparation and structure of phosphorus compounds with alkali metals has been reviewed [1958Waz, 1977Sch, 1981Sch2, 1983Sch1]; a later review [1988Sch] is both more detailed and more extensive. In early work, the reported stoichiometry of some compounds was confused. This was because elemental compositions were not easily distinguished by analytical techniques of the time. It is appropriate here to distinguish between compounds isolated and characterized as solids and those prepared only in solution (or those studied only by theoretical calculations). Unless otherwise noted, red phosphorus was used in preparing Na-P compounds. Most Na-P compounds decompose before melting.