hydrogen phosphide

1 definition found

hydrogen phosphide - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  phosphine \phos"phine\ (f[o^]s"f[=e]n or f[o^]s"f[i^]n), n.
     (Chem.)
     A colorless gas, PH3, analogous to ammonia, and having a
     disagreeable odor resembling that of garlic. Called also
     hydrogen phosphide, and formerly, phosphureted hydrogen.
     It is postulated as one possible cause of the rare lights
     seen in marshes -- see ignis fatuus.
     [1913 Webster + PJC]
  
     Note: It is the most important compound of phosphorus and
           hydrogen, and is produced by the action of caustic
           potash on phosphorus. It is spontaneously inflammable,
           owing to impurities, and in burning produces peculiar
           vortical rings of smoke.
           [1913 Webster]