What is Lithium nitride?
'''Lithium nitride''' is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is Li<sub>3</sub>N. It contains [[lithium]] and [[nitride]] [[ion]]s. ==Properties== Lithium nitride is a red or purple solid. It reacts with water to make [[lithium hydroxide]] and [[ammonia]]. It is the only [[alkali metal]] [[nitride]] that is stable. It is a very strong [[base (chemistry)|base]]. It reacts with hydrogen to make lithium hydride and lithium amide. ==Preparation== It is made by reacting [[lithium]] with [[nitrogen]]. This is unusual because almost no other elements react with nitrogen at room temperature like lithium. It can also be made by reacting nitrogen with lithium dissolved in [[sodium]]. ==Uses== It can be used to store [[hydrogen]]. It can also be used as a source of the nitride ion. ==Safety== Lithium nitride is toxic and corrosive. It releases ammonia when put in water. ==Related pages== *[[Nitrate]] *[[Sodium nitrite]] [[Category:Lithium compounds]] [[Category:Nitrogen compounds]]