Nitrides

Nitrides are compounds of nitrogen having an oxidation state of 3^-. Nitrides can be classified into three general categories: ionic, interstitial, and covalent. Alkali and alkaline earth nitrides are called ionic nitrides. Alkaline earth nitrides are formed with the formula M₃N₂ (e.g., Ca₃N₂, Ba₃N₂, Mg₃N₂). These compounds undergo hydrolysis to produce ammonia and the metal hydroxide. Transition metal nitrides form compounds with the formula MN, M₂N, and M₄N. The largest group of nitrides is the interstitial nitrides. These compounds have high melting points. These are extremely hard, and usually have metallic luster and high conductivities. The nitrides of p-block elements are called covalent nitrides. These have a wide range of properties depending on nitrogen bonding (e.g., BN, (CN)₂, P₃N₅, S₄N₄, S₂N₂).

With strong attraction of the nitride ion towards metal ions and high lattice energy, nitrides are often used as refractory materials in research and development.

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a range of nitrides in a variety of formats, including custom and bulk quantities.