Calcium nitride, referred to as calcium azanidylidenecalcium in IUPAC nomenclature, is an inorganic compound with constituent elements calcium and nitrogen and represented by the chemical formula Ca₃N₂ ^[1]. It has different isomorphous forms, out of which α-calcium nitride is commonly found ^[2].

Calcium Nitride Identification
CAS Number	12013-82-0 [3, 4]
PubChem CID	3387080 [1]
ChemSpider ID	21171155 [4]
EC Number	234-592-9 [3]
RTECS Number	N/A [3]
InChI Key	XCNGEWCFFFJZJT-UHFFFAOYSA-N [1]

How is Calcium Nitride Prepared

It can be synthesized when calcium is heated at an elevated temperature in the presence of air, which is represented by the following direct reaction of the elements ^[2]:

3Ca + N₂ → Ca₃N₂

The calcium nitride formed can be easily identified, as it reacts with moisture or water to produce calcium hydroxide and ammonia ^[2]:

Ca₃N₂ + 6H₂O → 3Ca(OH)₂ + 2NH₃

Properties and Characteristics of Calcium Nitride

General Properties
Molar Mass/Molecular Weight	148.248 g/mol [1]
Physical Properties
Color and Appearance	Reddish-brown crystalline powder [2, 3]
Melting Point	1,195 °C, 2,183 °F [5]
Boiling Point	N/A [3]
Density	2.63 g cm-3 [3]
State of matter at room temperature (solid/liquid/gas)	Solid [3]
Solubility	N/A
Solubility in Water	Decomposes in H2O
Atomic Properties
Crystal Structure	Cubic [5]

Uses

• Ca₃N₂ can be used for obtaining reactive nitride ions ^[5].
• Calcium hydride (a desiccant) can be produced by heating calcium nitride with hydrogen at temperatures above 350 °C ^[2].

Is it Toxic

Repeated contact or overexposure to Ca3N2 has been linked to eye damage and skin burns ^[6]. It is a flammable solid and should be kept away from sparks, heat, open flames, and water, because of possible dangerous reactions ^[6].

References
1. Calcium Nitride (Ca₃N₂) – Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2. Calcium Nitride – Revolvy.com
3. Calcium Nitride – Americanelements.com
4. Calcium bis(azanidylidenecalcium) – Chemspider.com
5. Calcium Nitride Properties – Chembk.com
6. Calcium Nitride – Chemicalbook.com