Metal nitrido complex

[1] The distinction between the molecular and solid-state polymers is not always very clear as illustrated by the materials Li6MoN4 and more condensed derivatives such as Na3MoN3.

The occurrence of terminal nitrido ligands follow the patterns seen for oxo complexes: they are more common for early and heavier metals.

[3] More exotic metal nitrido complexes are also possible, such as a recently reported compound containing a terminal uranium nitride (-U≡N) bond.

Ru and Os nitrido complexes often add organophosphines to give iminophosphine derivatives containing the R3PN− ligand.

In some cases, the nitride is completely encased in the center of six or more metals and cannot undergo reactions, although it contributes to the intermetallic bonding.