Whys is Mg3P2 names magnesium phosphide?

Question

i need to know an explanation thanks all

Answer 1

If you are asking why it is called phosphide rather than Phosphate then the simple answer is, is that there is no Oxygen in the compound.

If you are asking why is it Magnesium Phosph...

then, the simple answer is, is that there is Magnesium (Mg) and Phosphorous (P) in the compund.

if not a patronizing answer, i hope answers your Question.

Answer 2

Phosphide is a compound of phosphorus with a less electronegative element.

The ion is P(3-)

Mg is Mg2+

so we need 3 ions Mg2+ and 2 ions P(3-) to get the formula of the compound