What is the formula for sodium nitride?

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    ##Na_3N##
    Sodium is an element in group 1 of . As such it will form an electron by losing a single electron to form a ##1+## ion: ##Na^+##.
    Nitrogen is an element in group 5 of the periodic table. When it forms the nitride ion it gains three electrons to form a ##3-## ion: ##N^(3-)##.
    In the charges of constituent ions must balance. This can be achieved by having three sodium ions per nitride ion. Therefore the formula of sodium nitride is ##Na_3N##.
    However ##Na_3N## is extremely unstable. It rapidly decomposes into its constituent according to the equation:
    ##2Na_3N -> 6Na + N_2##
    It lacks a boiling point because of this. Since ionic have very high melting and boiling points as a result of the strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions that holds them together sodium nitride should be no different; however it will decompose as shown at around ##360## Kelvin (##K##) or ##86.85## ##^@ C##.

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