Ammonium azide

Ammonium azide

Names
Other names Ammonium trinitride
Properties
Chemical formula	NH4N3, NH3.HN3
Molar mass	60.059 g/mol
Appearance	White crystalline solid
Odor	Odorless
Density	1.3459 g/cm^3
Melting point	160 °C (320 °F; 433 K)
Boiling point	400 °C (752 °F; 673 K) (decomposes)
Structure
Crystal structure	rhombic
Hazards
Main hazards	Very toxic, explosive
Related compounds
Other anions	Ammonium nitrate Ammonium cyanide
Other cations	Sodium azide Potassium azide
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Ammonium azide is the chemical compound with the formula NH₄N₃, being the salt of ammonia and hydrazoic acid. Like other inorganic azides, this colourless crystalline salt is a powerful explosive, although it has a remarkably low sensitivity. NH₄N₃ is physiologically active and inhalation of small amounts causes headaches and palpitations. It was first obtained by Theodor Curtius in 1890, along with other azides.

Structure

Ammonium azide is ionic. It is scarcely soluble in water. Ammonium azide contains about 93% nitrogen by weight as ammonium cation and azide anion. It is a structural isomer of tetrazene.

References

• Yakovleva, G. S.; Kurbangalina, R. Kh.; Stesik, L. N. (1977). "Detonation properties of ammonium azide". Combustion, Explosion, and Shock Waves 13 (3): 405. doi:10.1007/BF00740326.
• Salim de Amorim, Helio; do Amaral, M. R.; Pattison P.; Ludka I. P.; Mendes, J. C. (2002). "Ammonium azide: A Commented Example of an Ab Initio Structure (Re-)Determination From X-Ray Diffraction" (PDF). Revista de la Sociedad Quimica de México 45 (4): 313–319.
• Curtius, Th. (1890). "Ueber Stickstoffwasserstoffsäure (Azoimid) N₃H". Berichte der deutschen chemischen Gesellschaft 23 (2): 3023. doi:10.1002/cber.189002302232.