Chlorine azide

Chlorine azide
Other names Chlorine nitride; Nitrogen chloride
Identifiers
CAS number	13973-88-1 Y
PubChem	61708
	Jmol-3D images	{{#if:[N-]=[N+]=NCl|Image 1
SMILES [N-]=[N+]=NCl
Properties
Molecular formula	ClN3
Molar mass	77.4731 g/mol
Appearance	Yellow orange liquid or gas
Melting point	−100 °C; −148 °F; 173 K
Boiling point	−15 °C; 5 °F; 258 K
Solubility	Soluble in butane, pentane, benzene, methanol, ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and carbon disulfide; slightly soluble in water
Explosive data
Shock sensitivity	Extreme
Friction sensitivity	Extreme
Hazards
Main hazards	Extremely sensitive explosive
Related compounds
Related compounds	Hydrazoic acid
Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Chlorine azide (ClN₃) is an inorganic compound that was discovered in 1908 by Friedrich Raschig.^[1] Concentrated ClN
3 is notoriously unstable and may spontaneously detonate at any temperature.^[2]

Preparation and handling

Chlorine azide is prepared by passing chlorine gas over silver azide, or by an addition of acetic acid to a solution of sodium hypochlorite and sodium azide.^[3]

When treated with ammonia it is conceivable that one or more of the three possible azinamines, NH₂N₃, NH(N₃)₂, and N(N₃)₃ may be formed.^{[citation needed]}

Explosive characteristics

Chlorine azide is extremely sensitive. It may explode, sometimes even without apparent provocation; it is thus too sensitive to be used commercially unless first diluted in solution. Chlorine azide reacts explosively with 1,3-butadiene, ethane, ethylene, methane, propane, phosphorus, silver azide, and sodium. On contact with acid, chlorine azide decomposes, evolving toxic and corrosive hydrogen chloride gas.^[4]

Regulatory information

Its shipment is strictly regulated by the US Department of Transportation.

References