After decades of instability making them difficult to study, scientists have discovered a way to stabilise nitrogen molecules.

Professor Meera Mehta from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford led the team of chemists to the discovery.

READ MORE: Oxford teacher who fiddled grades wants banning order ended

Nitrogen atoms are best known for forming pairs so any previous attempts to link more of them into longer chains usually failed.

This is because the structures turned into nitrogen gas.

Now, the team created a molecule made of four nitrogen atoms connected in a row, along with an extra electron that helps stabilise the structure.

The structure can now remain in a solid form for weeks rather than disintegrating immediately.

In the solid state, the material persists for weeks, allowing the team to characterise its structure and behaviour in detail, something that has not previously been possible for this class of molecule

The team were able to turn these molecules into solid crustal, allowing them to study the chains in detail.

This research could have significant implications.

The timeline of key discoveries (Image: Nature Chemistry)

The shared electrons across this chain help maintain its stability despite nitrogen’s inherent instability.

This breakthrough could usher in a new era of nitrogen-based materials, potentially leading to advanced applications, experts say.

Nitrogen chains store considerable energy and may be used in future applications such as advanced propellants or rocket fuel.

In addition, nitrogen could be a non-toxic energy storage solution with no carbon emissions.

They have been found to be reactive and energy-rich, with the ability to transfer nitrogen atoms to other molecules.

Furthermore, they may act as nitrene radical sources, which could make it easier, cleaner, and more accurate for scientists to build complex molecules.

Overcoming the nitrogen chains’ natural instability, which once made them so challenging to study, has now opened new research possibilities.

Previously, these nitrogen chains have been speculated to exist only in extreme environments, such as lightning strikes or outer space.

As these chains can now be created and examined on a laboratory bench, researchers have more room to broaden their horizons and focus on these compounds’ potential applications.

The breakthrough study, under the leadership of Professor Mehta, has not just challenged decades-old assumptions, but has significantly enhanced our understanding of nitrogen.

Post-Doctoral Research Associate’s, PhD students, and master’s students from the departments of chemistry at the University of Manchester and the University of Oxford were involved in the study.

Chinnor RFC, based in Thame, released a statement to announce the death of Simon Vickers, the club’s CEO, former player and former captain, this week.

Mr Vickers joined the rugby club in the 1980s and ‘never truly left’, returning time and again to support the club and improve its work.

READ MORE: Oxford United beaten by Derby in blow to survival hopes

A statement from the club said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Simon Vickers, our CEO and a true pillar of Chinnor RFC.

Simon Vickers, CEO of Chinnor RFC Thame, has passed away (Image: Chinnor RFC)

“Simon was one of us. A former player who captained the club in the 1980s, he never truly left.

“He was ‘dragged back’, as he would joke, and over the past decades transformed Chinnor into what it is today.”

The club said Mr Vickers’ fingerprints are on ‘every corner’ of the club, including the initiatives it supports and its rise from a village club to a Championship team.

It described his contribution as ‘a journey built on vision, discipline and unwavering commitment’.

READ MORE: Firefighters rescue ‘exhausted’ horse stuck in mud near Wantage

The statement added: “To those who knew him as a leader, he was strategic and relentless. To those who knew him as a former player, he was one of the lads.

“To the present players, his support and generosity was always forthcoming and immensely appreciated. To all of us, he was the foundation upon which this club stands.

Chinnor was promoted to the Championship under Mr Vickers’ leadership in 2024 (Image: David Howlett)

“He professionalised our operations while preserving the heart of what makes this club special, ensuring that every decision was made with the long-term interests of the club in mind.

“And crucially, he put in place the infrastructure and approach that will continue to drive our success long into the future.

“Rest in peace, Simon. Chinnor RFC will honour your legacy every time we take the field.”

The news was met with an outpouring of support from friends, club supporters, and neighbouring teams.

One supporter described him as a ‘legend of local rugby’ and said he was ‘utterly dedicated’ to the club, a sentiment echoed by hundreds of tributes paid in reaction to the news.

READ MORE: Rare Second World War plane up for £75,000 sale in Abingdon

Nearby Henley Rugby Club said: “Incredibly sad to hear this news. Simon was a huge character and someone who did so much for grassroots rugby. Rest in peace.”

Chinnor RFC is and English Rugby Union club based at Kingsey Road in Thame, founded in 1962, which currently plays in the second tier of the Championships.

It regularly runs five senior teams as well as a full youth set up from age five upwards, which is widely considered to be one of the best in the country.

Antonia Hunt was just a teen when she was left in Brittany in September 1939, as her parents assumed World War II would be similar to the static trench warfare of World War I.

But the advancement of Panzers proved them wrong, leading to Antonia’s capture in a prisoner of war camp near the Alps.

Surviving on luck and charisma, Antonia’s war experiences include daring adventures, Gestapo interrogation, and even romance.

Charlotte Ellis, Antonia’s granddaughter, kindly agreed to a follow up show at Florence Park Community Centre.

The demand for seats had previously outstripped supply, leading Charlotte to agree to another presentation on Tuesday, April 28, at 7.30pm, allowing more people to witness the wartime chronicles of her grandmother.

Antonia’s story is set to be part of celebrations marking notable local happenings as an open day at the Florence Park Community Centre is scheduled for Sunday, April 19.

The day features Frances Moody, a charismatic local historian, who will present an illustrated talk on the history and design of the Florence Park estate at 3pm.

Ms Moody, known for her engaging speaking style and profound knowledge, promises to shed light on the unique architectural designs of the houses on Florence Park Road.

In another upcoming event, the UPP will screen a famous cycling film on Thursday this week in memory of Jonny Ives.

Both Antonia’s story and the other community events underline the rich historic and cultural life of the community. Tickets are available online.