Strontium Nitride, Sr₃N₂

Strontium Nitride, Sr₃N₂, was first obtained by heating strontium amalgam in a current of nitrogen. The mercury distilled off, and there remained a dark-coloured substance which showed a metallic lustre under the file.

Metallic strontium in small fragments absorbs nitrogen directly. Absorption begins at 380° C. and is complete at 750° C., giving a black hygroscopic nitride which retains the form of the original metal. It is decomposed by water with the formation of strontium hydroxide and ammonia. With carbon it forms a certain amount of strontium cyanide, but with carbon monoxide, strontium oxide, carbon, and nitrogen are chiefly formed.