Silver azide

Structure and chemistry

Silver azide can be prepared by treating an aqueous solution of silver nitrate with sodium azide.{{cite book

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X-ray crystallography shows that is a coordination polymer with square planar coordinated by four azide ligands. Correspondingly, each end of each azide ligand is connected to a pair of centers. The structure consists of two-dimensional layers stacked one on top of the other, with weaker Ag–N bonds between layers. The coordination of can alternatively be described as highly distorted 4 + 2 octahedral, the two more distant nitrogen atoms being part of the layers above and below.

In its most characteristic reaction, the solid decomposes explosively, releasing nitrogen gas:

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The first step in this decomposition is the production of free electrons and azide radicals; thus the reaction rate is increased by the addition of semiconducting oxides. Pure silver azide explodes at 340 °C, but the presence of impurities lowers this down to 270 °C.{{cite book

Safety

, like most heavy metal azides, is a dangerous primary explosive. Decomposition can be triggered by exposure to ultraviolet light or by impact. Ceric ammonium nitrate is used as an oxidising agent to destroy in spills.

References

References

1. (1962). "The unit-cell dimensions of silver azide". Acta Crystallographica.
2. Schmidt, C. L. Dinnebier, R.; Wedig, U.; Jansen, M.. (2007). "Crystal Structure and Chemical Bonding of the High-Temperature Phase of AgN₃". Inorganic Chemistry.
3. (1999). "Thermal decomposition of ionic solids (vol.86 of Studies in physical and theoretical chemistry". Elsevier.
4. (1996). "Modern Methods and Applications in Analysis of Explosives". John Wiley and Sons.