Lanthanum nitride

Lanthanum nitride is a binary inorganic compound of lanthanum and nitride with the chemical formula LaN.

Preparation
Lanthanum nitride can be prepared from the reaction of nitrogen and lanthanum trihydride:
 * 2LaH3 + N2 -> 2LaN + 3H2

It can also be prepared from the reaction of ammonia and lanthanum trihydride:
 * LaH3 + NH3 -> LaN + 3H2

The reaction of nitrogen and lanthanum amalgam can also work:
 * 2La + N2 -> 2LaN

Physical properties
Lanthanum nitride forms black powder that is insoluble in water. Their crystals are of the cubic system with the Fm3m space group.

It is paramagnetic.

Chemical properties
Lanthanum nitride reacts with water and moisture from the air:
 * LaN + 3H2O -> La(OH)3 + NH3

It reacts with acids:
 * LaN + 4HCl -> LaCl3 + NH4Cl

Uses
Gerbicidum. LaN is used as a LED material, magnetic material, semiconductor, refractory material, dyes, catalyst.