What could we say about the structure of an ionic salt composed of magnesium, and nitrogen ions?

Question

Natalie Anton · Accepted Answer

Not much at all.

We would assume that the given elements form an ionic salt, i.e. #Mg_3N_2#. This is about all we can say.

Peyton Adams · Answer

The nitrogens are not jointed together by bonds between the nitrogens. The shape is a complex of ions.

The first magnesium will form a double bond with the first nitrogen by becoming +2 and the nitrogen becoming -3. The second magnesium will form a double bond with both nitrogens by sharing one electron with each of the two nitrogens. The third magnesium, like the first, will form a double bond with the second nitrogen by becoming +2 and the nitrogen becoming -3. Like this compound, the majority of ionic solids form crystal ionic structures in which multiple ions combine to form a complex of positive and negative ions in three dimensions.

Owen Ambrose · Answer

undefined The structure of the magnesium and nitrogen ionic salt would resemble that of magnesium nitride (Mg3N2). In this compound, six nitrogen ions (N3-) encircle each magnesium ion (Mg2+), forming a close-packed, cubic structure.