Reactions with Atomic Hydrogen and Nitrogen

According to Wiles and Winkler, the stable end products of the reaction are red phosphorus and molecular hydrogen. 

The main products from the reaction between phosphine and atomic nitrogen are molecular hydrogen and phosphorus nitride (PN), which is formed in the a form For the conversion of one mole of phosphine into (PN), two atoms of nitrogen appear to be necessary. The primary step is the formation of PH2 radicals which react further with the nitrogen atoms to give the nitride 

The Systems Phosphine/Water, Phosphine/Water/Ammonia, and Phosphine/ Water/Ammonia/Methane 

Irradiation of a gaseous mixture of phosphine and ammonia with Co gamma-rays produces hydrogen, nitrogen and red phosphorus. Other products were not observed. Phosphine appears to work as a very efficient radical acceptor via reactions such as 

The phosphino radical reacts further and finally produces red phosphorus and hydrogen.  

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