Ammonium azide


Ammonium azide is the chemical compound with the formula NH4N3, being the salt of ammonia and hydrazoic acid. Like other inorganic azides, this colourless crystalline salt is a powerful explosive, although it has a remarkably low sensitivity. NH4N3 is physiologically active and inhalation of small amounts causes headaches and palpitations. It was first obtained by Theodor Curtius in 1890, along with other azides.

Structure

Ammonium azide is ionic. Ammonium azide contains about 93% nitrogen by weight as ammonium cation and azide anion. It is a structural isomer of tetrazene.