Potassium nitride
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
Potassium nitride | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
|
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
|
| |
| |
| Properties | |
| K3N | |
| Molar mass | 131.3016 g/mol |
| Appearance | Slightly yellow crystalline solid |
| Melting point | −10 °C (14 °F; 263 K) (decomposes) |
| 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 | |
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.
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:
- 6K + N2 → 2K3N
This compound decomposes back into potassium and nitrogen at room temperature.
This compound is unstable due to steric hindrance.