Question

Is nitrogen triiodide an ionic compound or covalent compound?

Answer 1

Answer: The given compound is a covalent compound.

Explanation:

Covalent compound is defined as the compound which is formed by the sharing of electrons between the atoms forming a compound. These are usually formed when two non-metals react.

An ionic compound is defined as the compound which is formed when electron gets transferred from one atom to another atom. These are usually formed when a metal reacts with a non-metal.

We are given:

A chemical compound having chemical name as nitrogen triiodide.

This compound is formed by the combination of nitrogen and iodine atoms. Both these elements are non-metals and thus form covalent compound.

The chemical formula for the given compound is $NI_3$

Hence, the given compound is a covalent compound.

Answer 2

Nitrogen triiodide is the inorganic compound with the formula NI3. It is an extremely sensitive contact explosive: small quantities explode with a loud, sharp snap when touched even lightly, releasing a purple cloud of iodine vapor; it can even be detonated by alpha radiation. NI3 has a complex structural chemistry that is difficult to study because of the instability of the derivatives.