Defn: A colorless gas, PH3, analogous to ammonia, and having a disagreeable odor resembling that of garlic. Called also hydrogen phosphide, and formerly, phosphureted hydrogen.
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.
PHOSPHINIC
Phos*phin"ic, a. (Chem.)
Defn: Pertaining to, or designating, certain acids analogous to the phosphonic acids, but containing two hydrocarbon radicals, and derived from the secondary phosphines by oxidation.
PHOSPHITE
Phos"phite, n. (Chem.)
Defn: A salt of phosphorous acid.
PHOSPHONIC
Phos*phon"ic, a. Etym: [Phosphoric + sulphonic.] (Chem.)
Defn: Pertaining to, or designating, certain derivatives of phosphorous acid containing a hydrocarbon radical, and analogous to the sulphonic acid.
PHOSPHONIUM
Phos*pho"ni*um, n. Etym: [Phosphorus + ammonium.] (Chem.)
Defn: The hypothetical radical PH4, analogous to ammonium, and regarded as the nucleus of certain derivatives of phosphine.