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Ammonium azide is the chemical compound with the formula [NH4]N3, 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. [NH4]N3 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, meaning it is a salt consisting of ammonium cations [NH4]+ and azide anions N3, therefore its formula is [NH4]+[N3]. It is a structural isomer of tetrazene. Ammonium azide contains about 93% nitrogen by mass.

References

  1. ^ Frevel, Ludo K. (1 January 1936). "The Crystal Structure of Ammonium Azide, NH4N3". Zeitschrift für Kristallographie - Crystalline Materials. 94 (1–6): 197. doi:10.1524/zkri.1936.94.1.197. S2CID 100695095.


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