Today, we will learn about a chemical compound known as Pb3N2, also known as lead nitride. Its English name is Lead(II) Nitride. This compound is formed from 3 lead atoms (Pb) and 2 nitrogen atoms (N). The total atomic mass of Pb3N2 is 720.02 g/mol. The structure of the Pb3N2 molecule includes 3 lead ions Pb2+ and 2 nitrogen ions N3-. They form an ionic network with ionic bonds between lead and nitrogen ions.
Pb3N2 is a solid substance that is jet black in color and has no distinctive odor. It is insoluble in water and has a neutral pH. The chemical properties of Pb3N2 are quite special. It has the ability to react with oxygen to form PbO and N2. This can be evidenced through the chemical equation: 2Pb3N2 + 9O2 -> 6PbO + 2N2
Pb3N2 can participate in several chemical reactions. For example, Pb3N2 can react with strong acids to form salts and release nitrogen gas. Or it can also react with metals such as Fe, Cu to form salts and nitrogen gas.
The synthesis of Pb3N2 in the laboratory is quite complex and requires high technique. The synthesis of Pb3N2 usually starts from the reaction between lead and nitrogen at high temperatures: 3Pb + N2 -> Pb3N2. In industry, Pb3N2 is usually produced from the reaction between Pb(NO3)2 and NH4OH at high temperatures.