Summarizing Occurrence, Preparation, and Properties of Nitrogen

Key Concepts and Summary

Nitrogen exhibits oxidation states ranging from 3− to 5+. Because of the stability of the N≡N triple bond, it requires a great deal of energy to make compounds from molecular nitrogen. Active metals such as the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals can reduce nitrogen to form metal nitrides. Nitrogen oxides and nitrogen hydrides are also important substances.

Glossary

nitrogen fixation

formation of nitrogen compounds from molecular nitrogen