Tetraazidomethane


Tetraazidomethane is a colorless, highly explosive liquid. Its chemical structure consists of a carbon atom substituted with four azide functional groups.

Synthesis

It was first prepared by Klaus Banert in 2006 by reaction of trichloroacetonitrile with sodium azide.

Uses

As with other polyazides, tetraazidomethane has interest as a high-energy-density material with potential uses in explosives, propellants, or fireworks. Silicon tetraazide is also a known compound.

Reactions

Banert has reported that tetraazidomethane participates in a number of surprising reactions including hydrolysis, cycloaddition reactions with alkenes and alkynes, and reaction with phosphines to form phosphazenes.