Answer to Question #24319 in Inorganic Chemistry for Lorenzo

Question

Could a synthesis reaction between amorphous boron powder and red phosphorus powder be initiated in a controlled setting at overall standard temperature and pressure? I know that boron's most common oxidation state is +3 (making it the reducing agent), and phosphorus most commonly has a -3 oxidation state (making it the oxidizing agent), and that the compound boron phosphide (BP) was synthesized over a century ago. I also know that a mixture of a powdered metal (Mg, Zn, Al, Fe, etc.) and elemental sulfur powder can undergo a highly exothermic synthesis reaction to form the sulfide of whatever metal was used. My guess is that the amorphous boron+red phosphorus reaction would be somewhat slow, if it could be initiated at all.
Thanks.

Answer 1

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