Question

Why is Na3N the formula for sodium nitride?

Answer 1

Sodium nitride (Na3N) is the inorganiccompound with the formula Na3N. In contrast to lithium nitride and some other nitrides, sodium nitride is an extremely unstable alkali metal nitride.

Answer 2

When it forms the nitride ion, it gains three electrons to form a 3- ion: N3− . In ionic compounds, the charges of constituent ions must balance. This can be achieved by having threesodium ions per nitride ion. Therefore, the formula of sodium nitride is Na3N