Epoxy molding compounds containing phosphor and process for preparing such compositions

A molding compound for use in encapsulating electronic packages which include an optoelectronic component, such as an LED, is provided. The molding compound of the present invention includes a partially cured epoxy composition having a phosphor material substantially uniformly distributed throughout the epoxy composition. The phosphor material may be suspended within the epoxy composition by pre-reacting a portion of the epoxy composition prior to B-staging of the molding compound. As such, the phosphor material is suspended within the epoxy composition, thereby preventing settling of the phosphor material during B-staging, as well as during curing of the molding compound in the encapsulation process.