Potassium nitride

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).

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.

  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–.