Barium Nitride

Barium nitride is a chemical compound with the formula Ba3N2. It consists of three barium cations (Ba2+) and two nitride anions (N3-). The compound is a white solid that is insoluble in water and reacts violently with acids.

Barium nitride can be prepared by reacting barium metal with nitrogen gas at high temperatures. It can also be synthesized by reacting barium oxide or barium carbonate with ammonia gas.

The compound has a crystal structure that belongs to the anti-fluorite type, which is characterized by a face-centered cubic arrangement of the anions with the cations occupying the tetrahedral voids. Barium nitride has a melting point of around 1210°C and is a semiconductor with a bandgap of approximately 1.7 eV.

Barium nitride is primarily used in the production of barium azide, which is used as a propellant in airbags. It is also used as a reducing agent in the synthesis of other compounds, such as titanium nitride.

In terms of safety, barium nitride poses a significant health hazard if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. It can cause severe irritation and burns to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Therefore, proper handling procedures and protective equipment should be used when working with this compound.