Potassium nitride

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
CAS Number	29285-24-3
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID901336740
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	−10 °C (14 °F; 263 K)[1] (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

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.