Potassium azide

Potassium azide
IUPAC name

Potassium azide
Identifiers
CAS number 20762-60-1
PubChem 10290740
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula KN3
Molar mass 81.1184 g/mol
Appearance Colorless crystals[1]
Density 2.04 g/cm3
 [1]
Melting point

350 °C (in vacuum)[1]
Boiling point

decomposes
Solubility in water 50.8 g/100g H2O at 20 °C[1]
Hazards
Main hazards Toxic, explosive if strongly heated
NFPA 704
3
3
3
Related compounds
Other cations Sodium azide, copper(II) azide, lead(II) azide, silver azide
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Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Potassium azide is the chemical compound having the formula KN3. It is the potassium salt of hydrazoic acid, and crystallizes in a tetragonal structure.[2] Upon heating or irradiation with ultraviolet light, it decomposes into potassium metal and nitrogen gas.[3][4] Unlike heavy-metal azides, it is not sensitive to shock, but may explode if heated rapidly.[5]

It has been found to act as a nitrification inhibitor in soil.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Dale L. Perry; Sidney L. Phillips (1995). Handbook of inorganic compounds. CRC Press. p. 301. ISBN 0849386713. 
  2. ^ Khilji, M. Y.; Sherman, W. F.; Wilkinson, G. R. (1982). "Variable temperature and pressure Raman spectra of potassium azide KN3". Journal of Raman Spectroscopy 12 (3): 300–303. Bibcode 1982JRSp...12..300K. doi:10.1002/jrs.1250120319.  edit
  3. ^ Tompkins, F. C.; Young, D. A. (1982). "The Photochemical and Thermal Formation of Colour Centres in Potassium Azide Crystals". Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A, Mathematical and Physical Sciences 236 (1204): 10–23. 
  4. ^ Pradyot Patnaik (2003). Handbook of inorganic chemicals. McGraw-Hill Professional. p. 734. ISBN 0070494398. 
  5. ^ Pradyot Patnaik (2007). A comprehensive guide to the hazardous properties of chemical substances (3rd ed.). Wiley-Interscience. p. 615. ISBN 0471714585. 
  6. ^ T. D. Hughes; L. F. Welch (1970). "Potassium Azide as a Nitrification Inhibitor". Agronomy Journal (American Society of Agronomy) 62: 595–599.