Nitrogen Reactions: Does N2 React?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reactivity of nitrogen gas (N2) and its interactions with various substances under different conditions. Participants explore theoretical and practical aspects of nitrogen reactions, including its behavior in industrial applications and under specific environmental conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that nitrogen (N2) does not react readily under normal conditions, but can be fixed by certain organisms.
  • It is noted that under high temperature and pressure, nitrogen can react with hydrogen gas to produce ammonia (N2 + 3H2 -> 2NH3).
  • One participant mentions that nitrogen reacts with oxygen in combustion engines due to the heat generated.
  • There are claims that nitrogen can react with metallic lithium, although details are not provided.
  • Some participants argue that all elements react except for noble gases like helium, neon, and argon, while also noting that xenon and krypton can form compounds under specific conditions.
  • Further elaboration includes that noble gases have limited reactivity, with xenon and krypton forming certain fluorides and oxides under special conditions.
  • Participants discuss various nitrogen compounds, highlighting ammonia, nitrates, metal nitrides, and their industrial significance, including specific examples like silicon nitride and titanium nitride.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that nitrogen does not react readily under normal conditions but can react under specific circumstances. However, there are competing views regarding the reactivity of noble gases and the conditions under which nitrogen and other elements can react.

Contextual Notes

Some statements regarding the reactivity of noble gases and the conditions for nitrogen reactions depend on specific definitions and assumptions that are not fully explored in the discussion.

Serj
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Does Nitrogen (N2) react with anything?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
sure.

not readily, though. thankfully, a few organisms will fix it to a reduced form.
 
not under normal circumstances I don't think,

under high temeratue and pressure, it will react with hydrogen gas to make ammonia,
N2 + 3H2 -> 2NH3
 
Reacts with oxygen in a combustion engine (due to the heat).

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
With metalic lithium IIRC
 
yes all elements react exspet for helium neon and argon even xeon and kripton can react with flourine to form the most powerful oxidizers
 
kclo4x said:
all elements react exspet for helium neon and argon
Both argon and neon form compounds in certain conditions.

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
Given the right temperature and pressure conditions, most elements will react. The noble gases are least likely to react though, and IIRC, compounds of Xe and Kr may form under special conditions with Xe reacting with F and O, and Kr with F. F is the most electronegative element (highest affinity for electrons), O is second most electronegative.

Xe prefers to form even order fluorides: to KrFn, where n=2,4,6. Xe forms oxides - XeO3 and XeO4 - see http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/Xe/key.html
(Look on right hand side of page for compounds)

Kr seems limited to KrF2 with no other compounds - see http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/Kr/key.html

See - http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/E/Electronegativity.html

As for the He-Ne laser, see - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/optmod/lasgas.html

He does not form compounds, and it appears neither does neon or Ar. Both achieve "excited" states, but that does not infer a compound.

As for nitrogen compounds, ammonia and nitrates are high tonnage industrial products. Metal nitrides are also quite important. For example, Si3N4 is an important structural ceramic, and UN is a dense nuclear fuel with high thermal conductivity. Boron nidride (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boron_nitride) is another important compound.

Titanium Nitride (TiN) is the most common PVD hard coating in use today. TiN has an excellent combination of performance properties, attractive appearance, and safety (meets FDA requirements for surgical tools and implants as well as food contact applications).
from http://www.brycoat.com/tin/

There are many amines, amides, azoles and azines (RC=NN=CR), all of which are organic nitrogen compounds.
 
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