Lithium azide
| Lithium azide | |
|---|---|
| Lithium-azide-2D.png | |
| Structural formula of lithium azide | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | |
| PubChem CID | |
| ChemSpider ID | |
| UNII | |
| ChEBI | |
| ChEMBL | |
| Properties | |
| Chemical Formula | |
| Molar Mass | |
| Appearance | |
| Density | |
| Melting Point | |
| Boiling Point | |
| Hazards | |
| GHS Pictograms | [[File:|50px]] |
| GHS Signal Word | |
| GHS Hazard Statements | |
| NFPA 704 | [[File:|50px]] |
| References | |
Lithium azide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula LiN₃. It is the lithium salt of hydrazoic acid and is composed of lithium cations (Li⁺) and azide anions (N₃⁻). Lithium azide is a white crystalline solid that is highly sensitive to shock and friction, making it a compound of interest in the field of explosive materials.
Structure and Properties[edit | edit source]
Lithium azide crystallizes in a hexagonal structure similar to that of sodium azide. The azide ion (N₃⁻) is linear and symmetric, with a bond angle of 180 degrees. The compound is highly soluble in water and decomposes upon heating to release nitrogen gas, a property that is characteristic of azides.
Synthesis[edit | edit source]
Lithium azide can be synthesized by the reaction of lithium hydroxide (LiOH) with hydrazoic acid (HN₃):
- LiOH + HN₃ → LiN₃ + H₂O
This reaction must be carried out with caution due to the explosive nature of hydrazoic acid and the sensitivity of lithium azide.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Lithium azide is primarily used in the field of pyrotechnics and propellants. Its ability to rapidly decompose and release nitrogen gas makes it useful in applications where a rapid expansion of gas is required. However, due to its sensitivity, it is less commonly used than other azides such as sodium azide.
Safety and Handling[edit | edit source]
Lithium azide is a hazardous material that must be handled with extreme care. It is sensitive to shock, friction, and static electricity, and can detonate under certain conditions. Proper protective equipment and protocols must be followed when working with this compound.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
