Neptunium nitride is a binary inorganic compound of neptunium and nitrogen with the chemical formula NpN.[1][2]
| Names | |
|---|---|
| Other names neptunium mononitride, azanylidyneneptunium, neptunium(III) nitride | |
| Identifiers | |
| Properties | |
| NNp | |
| Molar mass | 251 g·mol−1 |
| Appearance | black crystals |
| Density | 14.18 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 2,557 °C (4,635 °F; 2,830 K) |
| insoluble | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Preparation
Neptunium nitride can be prepared by the reaction of freshly obtained neptunium hydride and ammonia:[3]
- NpH3 + NH3 → NpN + 3H2
The reaction of neptunium and nitrogen can also obtain neptunium nitride:
- Np + N2 → 2NpN
Physical properties
Neptunium nitride forms black crystals in the cubic system with Fm3m space group.[4][5] It is insoluble in water[6] and decomposes if heated.[7]
- 2NpN → 2Np + N2
Uses
Neptunium nitride is used as a target material for plutonium-238 production.[8]
- 237
93Np
+
n
→ 238
93Np