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N5 +: A Novel Homoleptic Polynitrogen Ion as a High Energy Density Material
Karl O Christe1, William W Wilson1, Jeffrey A Sheehy1
1Propulsion Sciences and Advanced Concepts Division, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/PRS), Edwards Air Force Base, CA 93524 (USA), Fax: (+1) 661-275-5471 (and) Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089 (USA).
The stable pentanitrogen (N5+) cation, a rare polynitrogen species, has been synthesized and characterized. This discovery opens new avenues for nitrogen-based chemistry and materials science.
Area of Science:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Nitrogen Chemistry
Background:
- Polynitrogen species are rare and often unstable.
- Nitrogen (N2) and azide (N3-) are common nitrogen species.
- The N5+ ion represents a novel polynitrogen compound.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and isolate the N5+ ion.
- To characterize the structure and stability of N5+.
- To explore the potential of polynitrogen compounds.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of N5+ as its hexafluoroarsenate (AsF6-) salt.
- Isolation of N5+ on a macroscopic scale.
- Spectroscopic analysis including IR, Raman, and NMR (14N and 15N) of isotopically labeled N5+.
Main Results:
- The N5+ ion was successfully synthesized and isolated.
- Experimental data confirmed the predicted C2v-symmetric structure of N5+.
- Spectroscopic studies provided strong evidence for the stability of the N5+ ion.
Conclusions:
- The N5+ ion is a stable, isolable polynitrogen species.
- Its structure and stability have been experimentally verified.
- This finding expands the known chemistry of nitrogen.
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