A compound containing two phosphide groups or two atoms of phosphorus in lower oxidation states, used in certain metal alloys.
From di- (two) + phosphide (compounds of phosphorus with more electropositive elements). A technical metallurgical term from early industrial chemistry as iron-phosphorus alloys were studied.
Diphosphides appear in some specialized metal alloys where adding phosphorus makes metals harder and more wear-resistant—it's an ancient trick (adding small amounts of other elements to transform properties) applied to the periodic table.
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