Trilithiumnitrid

synthetischeLithium nitride is prepared by the reaction of nitrogen gas with lithium metal. The reaction may be carried out at temperatures well above the melting point of lithium metal or using solid lithium metal at temperatures even below 100°C. Lithium nitride, a red crystalline solid, reacts with water to yield lithium hydroxide and ammonia. It is ultimately converted to lithium carbonate in the air. The compound readily reacts with water and carbon dioxide. It is also flammable, particularly when it is finely divided. For these reasons lithium nitride is stored and handled under an inert atmosphere.