Hydrazoic acid

Hydrazoic acid, also known as azidohydric acid and hydrogen azide, is a compound with the chemical formula HN3. It is a colorless, volatile, and explosive liquid at room temperature and pressure. It is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, and is therefore a pnictogen hydride. It was first isolated in 1890 by Theodor Curtius. The acid has few applications, but its azide ion is useful.

Chemical Properties

Hydrazoic acid is a volatile and explosive compound that can be produced in the laboratory. It is a weak acid (pKa = 4.75), and its reactivity is mainly due to the azide ion. It reacts with many metals to form azides, which are also explosive. It also reacts with alkyl halides to form alkyl azides, which are used in organic synthesis.

Safety

Hydrazoic acid is highly toxic and can explode upon heating, causing harm to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. It is also a powerful oxidizer, which can react with other substances to cause fire or explosion. Therefore, it should be handled with extreme caution.

References

1. The Merck Index, 10th Ed. (1983) p. 744, Rahway: Merck & Co.
2. CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 65th Ed. (1984) p. F-32, Boca Raton: CRC Press.

Hydrazoic acid Resources
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