Potassium nitride
# 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.

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 + $N_2$ → $2K_3N$

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

This compound is unstable due to steric hindrance.

