Question

Which gas is produced when calcium nitride $\left( {C{a_3}{N_2}} \right)$ is hydrolyzed by water?
a.) ${N_2}$
b.) $N{H_3}$
c.) ${H_2}$
d.) ${O_2}$

Answer 1

Hint: In order to solve this question, we will see the process of hydrolysis of calcium nitride. It is an organic compound with the formula $\left( {C{a_3}{N_2}} \right)$ and it exists in various forms such as alpha calcium nitride is more commonly seen. Let’s see its hydrolysis process

Complete step by step solution:
The calcium nitride on hydrolysis will produce calcium hydroxide and the byproduct formed is ammonia. The reaction is given as
$C{a_3}{N_2} + 6{H_2}O\xrightarrow[{}]{{}}3Ca{\left( {OH} \right)_2} + 2N{H_3}$
Thus, the gas formed is ammonia and the correct option is B.
Additional Information- the calcium nitride is formed when calcium reacts with nitrogen gas. The reaction is given as
$3Ca + {N_2}\xrightarrow[{}]{{}}C{a_3}{N_2}$
The above method is the direct method of preparation of nitride which is prepared by reacting the elements directly.
It is also formed when calcium is burned in the presence of air with the byproduct calcium oxide.
Interstitial nitrides that form with transition metals are the largest group of nitrides. It is similar to interstitial carbides, with nitrogen atoms in the tissues of close-packed metal atoms occupying the interstices or holes. The general formula of nitrides are $MN,{M_2}N,{M_4}N$ . These compounds are extremely hard and have high melting points and usually opaque materials with high conductivity and metallic luster.

Note: The calcium nitride can also be prepared by thermal decomposition of calcium amide with loss of ammonia. Apart from calcium nitride there are many nitrides such as boron nitride, aluminum nitride and many more. Depending upon the bonds nitrides are classified as interstitial nitrides, ionic nitrides and covalent nitrides.