Question

What are interstitial compounds?

Answer 1

1. An interstitial compound or alloy is a compound that is formed when small atoms like hydrogen, boron, carbon or nitrogen are trapped in the interstitial holes in a metal lattice.

2. They are usually non-stoichiometric compounds.

3. Transition metals form a number of interstitial compounds such as TiC, ZrH_1.92, Mn₄N, etc.

4. The elements that occupy the metal lattice provide them new properties.

• They are hard and show electrical and thermal conductivity.
• They have high melting points higher than those of pure metals.
• Transition metal hydrides are used as powerful reducing agents.
• Metallic carbides are chemically inert.