Phosphides structure types classification

Metal arsenides, antimonides and bismuthides can be prepared by direct combination of the metal and group 15 element. Like the phosphides, classification is not simple, and structure types vary. Our coverage here is, therefore, selective... 

Classification of structure types of ternary and quaternary phosphides... 

Most elements combine with phosphorus to give binary phosphides exceptions include Hg, Pb, Sb, Bi and Te. Types of solid state phosphides are very varied, and simple classification is not possible. Phosphides of the d-block metals tend to be inert, metallic-looking compounds with high melting points and electrical conductivities. Their formulae are often deceptive in terms of the oxidation state of the metal and their structures may contain isolated P centres, P2 groups, or rings, chains or layers of P atoms. 

---