NH4N3

NH4N3, commonly called ammonium azide, is an inorganic salt composed of the ammonium cation (NH4+) and the azide anion (N3−). It forms as a white crystalline solid. In water it is soluble. The compound is extremely sensitive to shock, friction, and heat and can detonate violently, making handling and storage challenging. Because of its instability, it is typically prepared and used only in specialized facilities with stringent safety measures.

Preparation and occurrence: It is typically generated by metathesis reactions between soluble ammonium salts and azide salts, under cold conditions, followed by careful crystallization. The unstable nature of ammonium azide means isolation and storage must be done at low temperatures, and it is usually kept as small quantities or used immediately.

Properties and decomposition: Upon heating or impact, ammonium azide rapidly decomposes with the evolution of nitrogen gas. The decomposition is highly exothermic and can be accompanied by the formation of other nitrogen-containing products depending on conditions. The material is incompatible with acids, bases, and many common reagents and should not be mixed with organic materials or metal powders.

Applications and occurrence: Due to safety concerns, ammonium azide has limited practical applications. It has historical relevance in azide chemistry and has been studied as a potential precursor or reagent in the synthesis of other nitrogen-rich compounds; its primary use today is as a reagent in specialized laboratory research under strict controls.

Safety and handling: NH4N3 is highly explosive and sensitive to impact, friction, and heat. It should be stored in a cool, dry, vented container, segregated from incompatible materials, and handled only by trained personnel using appropriate protective equipment. Accidental initiation can release large volumes of nitrogen gas and cause damage or injury.