BARIUM AZIDE
Sunday, January 18th, 2009Formula: Ba(N3)2; MW 221.37
Uses
Barium azide is used in explosives. A saturated solution is generally used.
Physical Properties
Colorless monoclinic crystal; density 2.936 g/cm3; decomposes at 120°C; soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol.
Preparation
Barium azide may be prepared by reacting sodium azide with a soluble barium salt. The solution is concentrated to allow crystals grow. Crystals will explode if fully dried, or subject to friction. Product should be stored damp with ethanol.
Hazard
The dry solid is sensitive to shock, impact and friction. It decomposes explosively when heated to 275°C. Contact with acid can produce the explosive compound hydrazoic acid. Contact with lead, silver, and many other metals can form the explosive azides of those metals. Presence of sodium, potassium, barium and iron ions as impurities can enhance the shock sensitivity of barium azide. Barium azide also is a toxic compound. The toxic effects are similar to those of other soluble salts of barium.
