Potassium nitride

Potassium nitride
Names
IUPAC name Potassium nitride
Identifiers
CAS Number	29285-24-3
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
InChI InChI=1S/3K.N/q3*+1;-3 Key: TYTMEVSIRLGALE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES [K+].[K+].[K+].[N-3]
Properties
Chemical formula	K₃N
Molar mass	131.3016 g/mol
Appearance	Slightly yellow crystalline solid
Melting point	263 K (−10 °C; 14 °F) (decomposes)^[1]
Related compounds
Other cations	Lithium nitride Sodium nitride
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Chemical compound

Potassium nitride is an unstable chemical compound. Several syntheses were erroneously claimed in the 19th century, and by 1894 it was assumed that it did not exist.^[2]

However, a synthesis of this compound was claimed in 2004. It is observed to have the anti-TiI
₃ structure below 233 K (−40 °C; −40 °F), although a Li
₃P-type structure should be more stable. Above this temperature, it converts to an orthorhombic phase. This compound was produced by the reaction of potassium metal and liquid nitrogen at 77 K (−196.2 °C; −321.1 °F) under vacuum:^[1]

6K + N₂ → 2K₃N

This compound decomposes back into potassium and nitrogen at room temperature.

This compound is unstable due to steric hindrance.

References

^ ^a ^b Fischer, D.; Cancarevic, Z.; Schön, J. C.; Jansen, M. (January 2004). "Zur Synthese und Struktur von K3N". Zeitschrift für anorganische und allgemeine Chemie (in German). 630 (1): 156–160. doi:10.1002/zaac.200300280.
^ Chemical Society (Great Britain) (1894). Journal - Chemical Society, London. Chemical Society. pp. 512–.