Potassium nitride

(Redirected from K3N)

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]

Potassium nitride
Names
IUPAC name
Potassium nitride
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
  • InChI=1S/3K.N/q3*+1;-3
    Key: TYTMEVSIRLGALE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • [K+].[K+].[K+].[N-3]
Properties
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).

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
3
P
-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

edit
  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Chemical Society (Great Britain) (1894). Journal - Chemical Society, London. Chemical Society. pp. 512–.