Chlorine azide

Chlorine azide (ClN₃) is an inorganic compound that was discovered in 1908 by Friedrich Raschig.^[2] Concentrated ClN₃ is notoriously unstable and may spontaneously detonate at any temperature.^[3]

Chlorine azide

Names
IUPAC name Chlorine azide
Identifiers
CAS Number	13973-88-1 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	55609
PubChem CID	61708
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID10161156
InChI InChI=1S/ClN3/c1-3-4-2 Key: ZGNIYAPHJAPRMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES [N-]=[N+]=NCl
Properties
Chemical formula	ClN3
Molar mass	77.4731 g/mol
Appearance	Yellow-orange liquid; colorless gas
Melting point	−100 °C (−148 °F; 173 K)
Boiling point	−15 °C (5 °F; 258 K)
Solubility	Soluble[vague] in butane, pentane, benzene, methanol, ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and carbon disulfide; slightly soluble in water
Structure
Crystal structure	orthorhombic
Space group	Cmc 21, No. 36[1]
Explosive data
Shock sensitivity	Extreme
Friction sensitivity	Extreme
Hazards
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH):
Main hazards	Extremely sensitive explosive
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)	0 4
Related compounds
Related compounds	Hydrazoic acid Fluorine azide Bromine azide Iodine azide
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Y verify (what is YN ?) Infobox references

Preparation and reactions

Chlorine azide is prepared by passing chlorine gas over silver azide, or by an addition of acetic acid to a solution of sodium hypochlorite and sodium azide.^[4]

Chlorine azide further reacts with silver azide to produce a very unstable allotrope of nitrogen, hexanitrogen (N₆), which decomposes to dinitrogen above 80 K (−193.2 °C; −315.7 °F).^[5]

Explosive characteristics

Chlorine azide is extremely sensitive. It may explode, sometimes even without apparent provocation; it is thus too sensitive to be used commercially unless first diluted in solution. Chlorine azide reacts explosively with 1,3-butadiene, ethane, ethene, methane, propane, phosphorus, silver azide, and sodium. On contact with acid, chlorine azide decomposes, evolving toxic and corrosive hydrogen chloride gas.^[6]

Regulatory information

Its shipment is subject to strict reporting requirements and regulations by the US Department of Transportation.