Why is Potassium Nitride (K3N) unstable?

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Potassium Nitride (K3N) is considered unstable due to the energy dynamics involved in its formation. The stability of chemical compounds hinges on whether the energy released from forming new bonds exceeds the energy required to break existing bonds in the reactants. In the case of potassium and nitrogen, the formation of K-N bonds does not provide enough energy to overcome the dissociation energy of nitrogen gas (N2), leading to instability. The discussion also touches on the broader concept of atomic combinations, emphasizing that many combinations are inherently unstable, and the focus should be on identifying those that can achieve stability. The user expresses interest in creating a compound similar to potassium amide and plans to seek further guidance on that topic.
ProjectFringe
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Hi, can anyone tell me why Potassium Nitride (K3N) is unstable? Also are KN and K2N, electrons aside, just as unstable?

If so, what happens when potassium and nitrogen are combined? No reaction?

Thanks!:biggrin:
 
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It is a bit putting things on a head. There are countless combinations of atoms that are unstable, so the real question is not "why it is unstable?", but "which combinations have a chance of being stable?".

But in general question about stability is one of the energy: does the new combination have lower energy than its composing parts? In this particular case: is the energy gain due to the creation of three K-N bonds higher, than the dissociation energy of N2?
 
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Thanks for your response! I'm trying to figure out how to make a compound similar to potassium amide, but I think it will be easier for me if I just explain what I'm trying to make and then see if it is possible. I'll try posting it as a different question. Thanks again :biggrin:
 

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