Why is Nitrogen trichloride so explosive?

Answer 1

Nitrogen Trichloride is so explosive, (my science teacher told me this recently when I asked him), because Nitrogen likes to stay in a diatomic bond, just like H, O, F, Br, I, and Cl. A diatomic bond is the almost instant bond that occurs between usually 2 of the same atom. So it is impossible to have several O1 atoms in one place at one time without the atoms turning into O2. Anyways, the bond between Nitrogen and three Chlorine atoms is very weak. So it likes to disassociate explosively when this bond separates causing explosive decomposition.

Fluorine Perchlorate, another spontaneously explosive compound, does a similar thing because it has a very weak single O-F bond (so FOClO3 instead of FCLO4) and when it contacts anything that could possibly react with this oxygen molecule or is an oxidizable material, the O-F bond separates causing explosive composition. This reaction also causes the violent decomposition of the other chemical due to it's oxidizing properties.

Answer 2

Nitrogen trichloride is explosive because it contains a high amount of energy stored within its molecular structure. When disturbed or heated, the compound decomposes rapidly, releasing this energy in a violent explosion. Additionally, the compound is very sensitive to light, friction, and temperature changes, increasing its likelihood of detonation.