Lead(II) azide
azide.svg)
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| Identifiers | |
|---|---|
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.033.206 |
PubChem CID
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | |
| Pb(N3)2 | |
| Molar mass | 291.24 g/mol |
| Appearance | white powder |
| Density | 4.71 g/cm3, solid |
| Melting point | 350 °C (explodes) |
| 2.3 g/100 mL (18 °C) 9.0 g/100 mL (70 °C)[1] | |
| Solubility | very soluble in acetic acid; insoluble in ammonia |
| Explosive data | |
| Shock sensitivity | High |
| Friction sensitivity | High |
| Hazards | |
| Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH): | |
Main hazards
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Harmful, Explosive |
| Related compounds | |
Other cations
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Potassium azide |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Lead azide (Pb(N3)2) is an inorganic compound. More so than other azides, Pb(N
3)
2 is explosive. It is used in detonators to initiate secondary explosives. In a commercially usable form, it is a white to buff powder.
Preparation and handling
Lead azide is prepared by metathesis between sodium azide and lead nitrate. Dextrin can be added to the solution to stabilize the precipitated product. The solid is not very hygroscopic, and water does not reduce its impact sensitivity. It is normally shipped in a dextrinated solution that lowers its sensitivity. When protected from humidity, it is completely stable in storage.[2] An alternative synthesis pathway involves dissolving lead acetate in a sodium azide solution.[3][4]
Explosive characteristics
Lead azide is highly sensitive and usually handled and stored under water in insulated rubber containers. It will explode after a fall of around 150 mm (6 in) or in the presence of a static discharge of 7 millijoules. Its detonation velocity is around 5.18 km/s (17,500 ft/s).
Ammonium acetate and sodium dichromate are used to destroy small quantities of lead azide.
Lead azide reacts with copper, zinc, cadmium, or alloys containing these metals to form other azides. For example, copper azide is even more explosive and too sensitive to be used commercially.
Lead azide was a component of the six .22 caliber Devastator rounds fired by John Hinckley, Jr. in his assassination attempt on U.S. President Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981. The rounds consisted of lead azide centers with lacquer-sealed aluminum tips designed to explode upon impact.[5]
See also
References
- ^ Pradyot Patnaik. Handbook of Inorganic Chemicals. McGraw-Hill, 2002, ISBN 0-07-049439-8
- ^ Fedoroff, Basil T. (1960). Encyclopedia of Explosives and Related Items (Vol. 1). US Army Research and Development Command TACOM, ARDEC.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ http://www.lambdasyn.org/synfiles/bleiazid.htm
- ^ Verneker, V. R. Pai; Forsyth, Arthur C. (1968). "Mechanism for controlling the reactivity of lead azide". The Journal of Physical Chemistry. 72: 111. doi:10.1021/j100847a021.
- ^ The Exploding Bullets, by Pete Barley and Charles Babcock, Washington Post, 4 Apr, 1981. Retrieved 28 February, 2007.
External links
