Potassium nitride is an unstable chemical compound. Several syntheses were erroneously claimed in the 19th century, and by 1894 it was assumed that it did not exist. However, a synthesis of this compound was claimed in 2004. It is observed to have the anti-TiI3 structure below 233 K (−40 °C; −40 °F), although a Li3P-type structure should be more stable. Above this temperature, it converts to an orthorhombic phase. This compound was produced by the reaction of potassium metal and liquid nitrogen at 77 K (−196.2 °C; −321.1 °F) under vacuum:
6K + N2 → 2K3N This compound decomposes back into potassium and nitrogen at room temperature. This compound is unstable due to steric hindrance.
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