Sodium Nitride Formula - Structure, Properties, Uses

Sodium nitride formula is Na ₃ N. It is an inorganic compound with High instability among alkali metal nitrides. It is  formed by depositing sodium and nitrogen atomic beams onto a low-temperature sapphire substrate. It rapidly decomposes into its constituent elements.

Sodium Nitride Formula: Sodium, with the chemical symbol Na, possesses an electron configuration of 1s ² 2s ² 2p ₆ 3s ¹ . It is a metallic element, bearing a positive charge of +1. In contrast, Nitrogen, symbolized as N, has an electron configuration of 1s ² 2s ² 2p ³ , characterizing it as a nonmetal with a negative charge of -3. To balance these charges, we can express the compound Sodium Nitride as Na ₃ N. Notably, Sodium Nitride lacks carbon-hydrogen bonds, making it inherently unstable and prone to decompose into sodium and nitrogen ions.

Sodium nitride formula is Na ₃ N. Sodium Nitride is an inorganic compound. It consists of sodium (Na) and nitrogen (N). Sodium has an atomic number of 11 with electron configuration of 1s ² 2s ² 2p ⁶ 4s ¹ , while nitrogen has an atomic number of 7 with an electron configuration of 1s ² 2s ² 2p ³

This inorganic chemical, Sodium Nitride, exhibits exceptional instability and is synthesized by combining atomic constituents, depositing sodium under low-temperature conditions. It assumes the form of a white crystalline solid with a density of 2.26g/mL. Its practical applications include serving as a salt substitute and a food preservative. Sodium nitride formula is Na ₃ N. They represents an ionic compound resulting from interactions between metals and nonmetals, which is characteristic of all ionic substances.

Sodium Nitride Formula

Sodium nitride formula is Na ₃ N. It is an inorganic compound that can be synthesized by amalgamating sodium and nitrogen on a sapphire substrate at low temperatures.

Sodium Nitride comprises sodium (Na), characterized by the symbol Na, an atomic number of 11, and an electron configuration of 1s ² 2s ² 2p ⁶ 4s1. Nitrogen (N), symbolized as N, is a chemical element with an atomic number of 7 and an electron configuration of 1s ² 2s ² 2p ³ .

This inorganic substance, Sodium Nitride, exhibits a remarkable degree of instability. Its production involves the combination of atomic components and the deposition of sodium at reduced temperatures. It manifests as a white crystalline solid with a density of 2.26g/mL. Sodium Nitride finds application as a salt substitute and a food preservative.

Sodium Nitride Formula Structure

Sodium nitride formula is Na ₃ N. The structure of Sodium Nitride consists of a central nitrogen atom bonded to three sodium atoms. Sodium Nitride, an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na ₃ N, is depicted in the structure below:

The formation of this structure for Na ₃ N is a result of its ionic nature, involving the interaction of a metal and a non-metal. In ionic compounds, valence electrons are transferred from the metal to the non-metal. In the case of Na ₃ N, three sodium ions are formed, followed by nitrogen. Sodium, located in Group I of the periodic table, hold one valence electron, resulting in a +1 charge.

Nitrogen, belonging to Group 15 on the periodic table, has five valence electrons, leading to a 3- charge. The attraction between the positive and negative charges culminates in the creation of an ionic bond.

Sodium Nitride Preparation

Sodium nitride formula is Na ₃ N. To create Sodium Nitride, two distinct methods can be used. One approach involves the decomposition of Sodium Amide, resulting in the production of Sodium Nitride and hydrogen:

3 NaNH ₂ + Heat → Na ₃ N + H ₂

Alternatively, Sodium Nitride can be prepared by reacting sodium with plasma-activated nitrogen on a metal surface, as demonstrated in the equation below:

2 N ₂ + 3 Na → Na ₃ N + 3/2 N ₂

Sodium Nitride Formula Properties

Chemical Formula: Sodium Nitride exhibits various properties:

Molecular Weight: Sodium Nitride has a molecular weight of 82.98 g/mol.

Density: It possesses a density of 2.17 g/cm3.

Melting Point: The compound does not have a boiling point, but it does have a melting point of 87°C.

Appearance: It appears as a reddish-brown or dark blue solid.

Solubility: It is soluble in water.

Stability: Sodium Nitride is unstable and rapidly decomposes into its constituent elements, following the equation:

2Na ₃ N → 6 Na + N ₂ .

Reaction with Hydrochloric Acid: When Sodium Nitride reacts with hydrochloric acid, it yields sodium chloride and ammonia:

Na ₃ N + 3 HCl → 3 NaCl + NH ₃ .

Reaction with Water: In the presence of water, Sodium Nitride reacts to produce sodium hydroxide and ammonia:

Na ₃ N + 3 H ₂ O →  3 NaOH + NH ₃ .

Harmful Effects of Sodium Nitride

The Harmful effects of Sodium Nitride include:

• Irritation of the eyes and nose.
• The potential to induce gastroenteritis and abdominal pains.
• Skin irritation, along with eye irritation that can result in symptoms like redness, itching, and pain.
• Nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, irregular breathing, and, in severe cases, the possibility of coma and even fatality if significant exposure occurs.
• Repeated exposure may lead to headaches and mental impairment.

Uses of Sodium Nitride

Sodium Nitride finds various applications, including:

• Serving as a food preservative and a salt substitute.
• Functioning as a microbial agent in the preservation of meat and fish.
• Facilitating the preservation of large quantities of various food items.
• Acting as an antidote for cyanide poisoning.