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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.

References

1. ^ 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–.

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