Copper(II) azide

Copper(II) azide is a medium density explosive with the molecular formula Cu(N₃)₂.

Copper(II) azide^[1]

Names
IUPAC name Copper(II) azide
Other names Cupric azide
Identifiers
CAS Number	14215-30-6 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image Interactive image
ChemSpider	21106430 Y
PubChem CID	57348354
UNII	43SX07O4UP Y
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID00931365
InChI InChI=1S/Cu.2N3/c;2*1-3-2/q+2;2*-1 Y Key: SXHYOTRZGGGMEV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/Cu.2N3/c;2*1-3-2/q+2;2*-1 Key: SXHYOTRZGGGMEV-UHFFFAOYAL
SMILES [N-]=[N+]=[N-] [Cu+2] [N-]=[N+] [N-] [Cu+2].[N-]=[N+]=[N-].[N-]=[N+]=[N-]
Properties
Chemical formula	Cu(N3)2
Molar mass	147.586 g/mol
Appearance	brown orthorhombic crystals
Density	2.6 g/cm3
Melting point	Explodes when heated
Hazards
GHS labelling:
Pictograms
Signal word	Danger
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)	3 0 4
NIOSH (US health exposure limits):
PEL (Permissible)	TWA 1 mg/m3 (as Cu)[2]
REL (Recommended)	TWA 1 mg/m3 (as Cu)[2]
IDLH (Immediate danger)	TWA 100 mg/m3 (as Cu)[2]
Related compounds
Other cations	Lead(II) azide Silver azide Sodium 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

Uses

Copper azide is very explosive and is too sensitive for any practical use unless handled in solution.

Preparation

Copper azide can be prepared by a metathesis reaction between water-soluble sources of Cu²⁺ and azide ions. (Spectator ions omitted in reaction below).

Cu²⁺ + 2 N−3 → Cu(N₃)₂

It can be destroyed by concentrated nitric acid to form non-explosive products, these being nitrogen, nitrogen oxides and copper(II) nitrate.