| Lead(II) azide | |
|---|---|
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 13424-46-9 |
| PubChem | 61600 |
| UN number | 0129 |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | Pb(N3)2 |
| Molar mass | 291.24 g/mol |
| Appearance | white powder |
| Density | 4.71 g/cm3, solid |
| Melting point |
350 °C (explodes) |
| Solubility in water | 2.3 g/100 mL (18 °C) 9.0 g/100 mL (70 °C) [1] |
| Solubility | very soluble in acetic acid; insoluble in ammonia |
| Explosive data | |
| Shock sensitivity | High |
| Friction sensitivity | High |
| Explosive velocity | 5180 m/s |
| Hazards | |
| Autoignition temperature |
350 °C |
| Related compounds | |
| Other cations | Potassium azide |
| Related compounds | Hydrazoic acid |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
| Infobox references | |
Lead azide (Pb(N3)2) is an inorganic compound. More so than other azides, Pb(N3)2 is explosive. It is used in detonators to initiate secondary explosives. In a commercially usable form, it is a white-to-buff powder.
Contents |
Preparation and handling
Lead azide is prepared by metathesis between sodium azide and lead nitrate. Dextrin can be added to the solution to stabilize the precipitated product. The solid is not very hygroscopic, and water does not reduce its impact sensitivity. It is normally shipped in a dextrinated solution that lowers its sensitivity. When protected from humidity, it is completely stable in storage.[citation needed]
Explosive characteristics
Lead azide is highly sensitive and usually handled and stored under water in insulated rubber containers. It will explode after a fall of around 150 mm (6 in) or in the presence of a static discharge of 7 millijoules. Its detonation velocity is around 5.18 km/s (17,500 ft/s).
Ammonium acetate and sodium dichromate are used to destroy small quantities of lead azide.
Lead azide reacts with copper, zinc, cadmium, or alloys containing these metals to form other azides. For example, copper azide is even more explosive and too sensitive to be used commercially. Sodium azide is used both for the manufacture of lead azide and as preservative and diluent, which can lead to problems.[citation needed]
See also
References
- ^ Pradyot Patnaik. Handbook of Inorganic Chemicals. McGraw-Hill, 2002, ISBN 0070494398
External links
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