Nitrides

Nitrides are compounds of nitrogen with a less electronegative atom; in other words it's a compound with atoms that have a less full valence shell. These compounds form with lithium and Group 2 metals. Nitrides usually has an oxidation state of -3.

When mixed with water, nitrogen will form ammonia and, this nitride ion acts as a very strong base.

When nitrogen forms with other compounds it primarily forms covalent bonds. These are normally done with other metals and look like: MN, M₃N, and M₄N. These compounds are typically hard, inert, and have high melting points because nitrogen's ability to form triple covalent bonds.