Azanide is the IUPAC-sanctioned name for the anion NH−2. The term is obscure; derivatives of NH−2 are almost invariably referred to as amides,[1][2][3] despite the fact that amide also refers to the organicfunctional group –C(=O)−NR2. The anion NH−2 is the conjugate base of ammonia, so it is formed by the self-ionization of ammonia. It is produced by deprotonation of ammonia, usually with strong bases or an alkali metal. Azanide has a H–N–H bond angle of 104.5°.
Alkali metal derivatives
The alkali metal derivatives are best known, although usually referred to as alkali metal amides. Examples include lithium amide, sodium amide, and potassium amide. These salt-like solids are produced by treating liquid ammonia with strong bases or directly with the alkali metals (blue liquid ammonia solutions due to the solvated electron):[1][2][4]
^ abP. W. Schenk (1963). "Lithium amide". In G. Brauer (ed.). Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry, 2nd Ed. Vol. 1. New York, NY: Academic Press. p. 454.
^ abO. Glemser, H. Sauer (1963). "Silver Amide". In G. Brauer (ed.). Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry. Vol. 1 (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Academic Press. p. 1043.
