Shock synthesis of lanthanum-III-pernitride

Lanthanum-III-pernitride is unique amongst pernitrides because of the seemingly misfit charge balance and stoichiometry. La₊₃N₂ has been predicted to be stabilized by resonance between two mesomeric states of bonding in the pernitride group, which include a remarkable NN single bond limiting state. However, successful synthesis of this compound remained extant. Here, we report synthesis of LaN₂ through shock-driven decomposition of lanthanum nitrate. The result is noteworthy as a first quantitative measure of the stability of NN single bonds in solids formed at GPa-level pressure and with respect to a possible cross-over of redox potentials in the nitrogen- and oxygen-systems at high pressure and temperature.