Iron nitride
Iron nitrides are inorganic chemical compounds.
Physical properties
All iron nitrides are gray powders.
Chemical properties
Iron has four nitrides, Fe2N, Fe3N1+x, Fe4N, and Fe16N2. They are crystalline, metallic solids. Group 7 and group 8 transition metals form nitrides that decompose at relatively low temperatures - iron nitride, Fe2N decomposes under loss of molecular nitrogen at about above 400 °C and formation of lower-nitrogen content iron nitrides. They are insoluble in water.
Health hazards
When heated to decomposition, or exposed to humidity, iron nitride may emit toxic fumes of ammonia. It is considered a moderate explosion hazard. Inhalation of iron nitride dust or powder may cause irritation to the respiratory system and possibly acute iron poisoning or iron pneumoconiosis.
Research applications
Colloidal solution of magnetic iron nitride nanoparticles is a way to create ferrofluids.
Iron nitrides also make the strongest naturally magnetic material.[1]