Why is Potassium Nitride (K3N) unstable?

[ProjectFringe]

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!

 

[Borek]

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?

 

[ProjectFringe]

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

 

[Keresluna]

more info at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_nitride