Calcium nitride is an important inorganic compound with a wide range of uses in modern science and technology. It is synthesized by heating calcium metal in the presence of nitrogen gas at elevated temperatures.
In this article, we will explore the preparation, properties, uses, and toxicity of calcium nitride. We will also discuss the IUPAC nomenclature of the compound and how it can be identified through various identification numbers.
Preparation
Calcium nitride can be synthesized by heating calcium metal in the presence of nitrogen gas at elevated temperatures. This is a direct reaction between the two elements, resulting in the formation of calcium nitride.
The process is performed under a controlled atmosphere to prevent oxidation of the reactants and the product. The reaction equation is:
Ca + N2 Ca3N2
Properties and Characteristics
General Properties
Calcium nitride has a molar mass of 148.25 g/mol. It appears as a yellowish-brown solid with a melting point of 1,200C and a boiling point of 2,500C.
It has a density of 2.8 g/cm and is a highly reactive solid. It is insoluble in water and does not dissolve in most organic solvents.
Atomic Properties
Calcium nitride has a crystal structure of hexagonal alpha-PbO2, which is similar to that of MgO and ZnO. The crystal structure is formed by calcium cations (Ca) occupying octahedral sites and nitride ions (N) occupying tetrahedral sites.
The bond between nitride ions and calcium cations is ionic.
Uses
Calcium nitride is primarily used as a source of reactive nitride ions. It can be used to prepare other nitride compounds, such as aluminum nitride and gallium nitride.
It is also used as a reducing agent in the synthesis of other inorganic compounds. Calcium nitride is a key component in the production of calcium hydride, which is used as a desiccant in various reactions.
Another use of calcium nitride is in the fabrication of electrically conductive ceramics.
Toxicity
Calcium nitride is a highly reactive compound and can cause severe eye damage and skin burns on contact. It is also flammable and can pose a danger of fire when in contact with certain substances.
Calcium nitride exhibits dangerous reactions when it comes into contact with water or moisture. It releases toxic nitrogen oxide gases upon decomposition and should not be ingested or inhaled.
IUPAC Nomenclature
The IUPAC nomenclature of calcium nitride is calcium azanidylidenecalcium. The name is derived from the constituent elements of the compound and its chemical formula.
Azanidylidene refers to the nitride ion, which is the anion of nitrogen. The prefix “az-” refers to nitrogen, and “nitr-” denotes the presence of nitrogen in a chemical formula.
The suffix “-idylidene” indicates that the nitride ion is a single entity, unlike the diatomic molecule N.
Isomorphous Forms and -Calcium Nitride
Calcium nitride has several isomorphous forms, which differ in their crystal structures. These forms have similar chemical compositions but different physical and chemical characteristics.
The different forms of calcium nitride can be prepared by varying the synthesis conditions, such as temperature and pressure. Calcium nitride can also be referred to as -calcium nitride to distinguish it from other forms of calcium nitride.
This prefix is used to denote the hexagonal alpha-PbO2 structure of calcium nitride.
Identification
Calcium nitride can be identified through several identification numbers, including the CAS number (12013-82-0), PubChem CID (82864), ChemSpider ID (74929), EC number (234-592-9), InChI Key (DLLSZQDGDBHNKG-UHFFFAOYSA-N), and RTECS number (EV9485000). These identification numbers are used to uniquely identify the compound in various databases and publications.
Conclusion
In summary, calcium nitride is an important inorganic compound with various uses in modern science and technology. It is synthesized by heating calcium metal in the presence of nitrogen gas at elevated temperatures.
Calcium nitride has a yellowish-brown color, and its crystal structure is hexagonal alpha-PbO2. It is highly reactive and flammable, and can pose a danger of fire when in contact with certain substances.
Calcium nitride can be referred to as -calcium nitride to distinguish it from other forms of calcium nitride. It can be identified through several identification numbers, including the CAS number, PubChem CID, and ChemSpider ID.
Synthesis of Calcium Nitride
Calcium nitride can be synthesized by heating metallic calcium in the presence of air. This process involves the oxidation of calcium to form calcium oxide and the subsequent reaction of calcium oxide with nitrogen gas to form calcium nitride.
The reaction equation is:
3Ca + N2 + O2 Ca3N2 + 3CO
The process is carried out at temperatures of about 1,200C under an atmosphere of purified air. The reaction is exothermic, and the heat released from the reaction raises the temperature of the system, facilitating the reaction.
The reaction can be controlled to prevent the formation of calcium oxide by using nitrogen as the reaction atmosphere. This is done by purging the reaction vessel with nitrogen to remove any oxygen present and then pumping the nitrogen atmosphere into the vessel.
Another method of synthesizing calcium nitride is through the reaction of calcium with water or moisture. Calcium reacts exothermically with water, forming calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
The reaction equation is:
Ca + 2H2O Ca(OH)2 + H2
When the reaction is carried out in the presence of an excess of calcium, the hydrogen produced reacts with nitrogen to form ammonia, which then reacts with calcium to form calcium nitride. The overall reaction equation is:
3Ca + 2NH3 Ca3N2 + 3H2
The reaction is carried out under an inert gas atmosphere, such as argon or nitrogen, to prevent the formation of metal oxides.
Uses of Calcium Nitride
Reactive Nitride Ions
Calcium nitride is an important source of reactive nitride ions. It is used as a precursor in the synthesis of various nitride compounds, such as aluminum nitride and gallium nitride.
These nitride compounds find applications in the production of electronic and optoelectronic devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and solar cells. Calcium nitride is also used in the preparation of high-strength ceramics and as a dopant for semiconductors.
Production of Calcium Hydride
Calcium nitride is a key component in the production of calcium hydride, which is used as a desiccant for drying various organic and inorganic compounds. Calcium hydride is a powerful reducing agent and reacts exothermically with water to produce hydrogen gas and calcium hydroxide.
The reaction equation is:
CaH2 + 2H2O Ca(OH)2 + 2H2
Calcium hydride is prepared by reacting calcium nitride with hydrogen gas at high temperatures of around 500C. The reaction forms calcium hydride and nitrogen gas.
The reaction equation is:
2Ca3N2 + 6H2 2CaH2 + 2NH3 + 3N2
The temperature required for this reaction is high due to the large activation energy required to dissociate the strong nitrogen-nitrogen bond in calcium nitride.
Conclusion
Calcium nitride is a versatile inorganic compound with various applications in science and technology. It can be synthesized by heating metallic calcium in the presence of air or by reacting calcium with water or moisture.
Calcium nitride is a source of reactive nitride ions, and it is used as a precursor in the synthesis of nitride compounds. It is also a key component in the production of calcium hydride, which is a powerful desiccant and reducing agent.
Calcium nitride’s versatile nature makes it a valuable compound for various applications in the modern industry.
Toxicity of Calcium Nitride
Calcium nitride is a highly reactive and flammable inorganic compound that poses various health hazards to human health and the environment. It is important to handle calcium nitride with care to avoid skin burns, eye damage and other possible health hazards.
Health Hazards of Repeated Contact/Overexposure
Repeated contact or overexposure to calcium nitride can cause severe skin burns. This is because calcium nitride reacts vigorously with water or moisture in the skin, leading to the formation of calcium hydroxide and toxic ammonia.
It can also cause eye damage upon contact with the eyes, leading to severe irritation, redness, and pain. Repeated inhalation of calcium nitride dust can cause respiratory irritation, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Long-term or repeated contact with calcium nitride can result in the development of serious health conditions, such as lung damage and skin cancer.
Flammable and Dangerous Reactions
Calcium nitride is a highly reactive and flammable inorganic compound that can easily ignite when exposed to sparks, heat, or open flames. It reacts violently with water, releasing hydrogen gas which can ignite spontaneously in the presence of air.
It is important to store calcium nitride in properly sealed containers and to handle it with caution to avoid the risk of fire and explosion. In addition, calcium nitride can react dangerously with other chemicals, such as acids and oxidizing agents.
Such reactions can result in the formation of toxic gases and the release of heat and flammable gases that can cause explosions. Calcium nitride should not be mixed with other chemicals unless under strictly controlled laboratory conditions.
Calcium nitride also reacts violently with certain metals, such as aluminum and magnesium. These reactions release large amounts of heat, which can cause fires and explosions.
It is important to avoid contact between calcium nitride and these metals. When exposed to water, calcium nitride reacts to form calcium hydroxide and toxic ammonia.
The reaction is highly exothermic, releasing large amounts of heat and hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas can ignite spontaneously in the presence of air, leading to a fire or explosion.
Calcium nitride should be stored in dry conditions to prevent contact with water or moisture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, calcium nitride is a highly reactive and flammable inorganic compound that poses various health hazards to human health and the environment. It can cause skin burns, eye damage, respiratory irritation, and other serious health conditions upon repeated contact or overexposure.
Calcium nitride is also a highly flammable substance that can react dangerously with other chemicals, metals, and water. It is important to handle calcium nitride with care, conform to safety regulations and guidelines and to keep it away from open flames, heat, and water.
In conclusion, calcium nitride is a highly reactive compound with important applications in various fields. Its synthesis can be achieved through the heating of calcium in the presence of air or through reactions with moisture.
The compound is valued for its reactive nitride ions and its role in the production of calcium hydride. However, it is crucial to handle calcium nitride with caution due to its toxicity, including the risk of skin burns and eye damage.
It is also important to be aware of its flammability and the potential for dangerous reactions. Overall, understanding the properties and risks associated with calcium nitride is essential for ensuring safe handling and maximizing its benefits in scientific and technological applications.
FAQs:
1. How is calcium nitride synthesized?
– Calcium nitride can be synthesized by heating calcium in the presence of air or by reacting calcium with water or moisture. 2.
What are the uses of calcium nitride? – Calcium nitride is used as a source of reactive nitride ions and in the production of calcium hydride, which is a desiccant.
3. Is calcium nitride toxic?
– Yes, calcium nitride is toxic and can cause skin burns, eye damage, and respiratory irritation upon repeated contact or overexposure. 4.
Is calcium nitride flammable? – Yes, calcium nitride is highly flammable and can ignite when exposed to sparks, heat, or open flames.
5. Are there any dangerous reactions associated with calcium nitride?
– Yes, calcium nitride can react violently with water, acids, oxidizing agents, and certain metals, resulting in the release of toxic gases and the risk of explosions. Remember, proper handling and awareness of the risks associated with calcium nitride are crucial for ensuring safety and maximizing its benefits.