12.1.1—Lack of reactivity of nitrogen, using triple

Nitrogen gas exists as non-polar N₂ molecules containing a very strong N≡N triple bond. Breaking this bond requires substantial energy, so many reactions have a high activation energy.

The absence of a permanent dipole also limits attraction to polar reagents. Reactivity can still be increased by high temperature, pressure, catalysts or an appropriate reaction partner; “unreactive” is not “inert in every condition”.

The Haber process makes ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen only with elevated pressure, temperature and an iron catalyst. The catalyst changes rate, not the equilibrium position.

Do not explain nitrogen’s behaviour using only “it is a gas”, and do not confuse a strong N≡N bond with zero possible chemistry.