Iron(III) azide

Names
Other names Ferric azide Iron triazide
Identifiers
CAS Number	14215-32-8
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	57449725
PubChem CID	57348355
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID00721622
InChI InChI=1S/Fe.3N3/c;3*1-3-2/q+3;3*-1 Key: MKNZTJIHKCVUHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES ==.==.==.
Properties
Chemical formula	Fe(N3)3
Molar mass	181.9053 g/mol
Appearance	Dark brown solid[1]
Melting point	Explodes
Solubility	Soluble in methanol
Hazards
GHS labelling:
Pictograms
Signal word	Danger
Related compounds
Other cations	Cobalt(II) azide Nickel(II) azide Copper(II) azide
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C , 100 kPa). Infobox references

Iron(III) azide, also called ferric azide, is a chemical compound with the formula Fe(N₃)₃. It is an extremely explosive, impact-sensitive, hygroscopic dark brown solid. This compound is used to prepare various azidoalkanes, such as n-butyl azide, from alkenes via formation of alkylboranes and subsequent anti-Markovnikov addition of azide group.^[2]

Preparation

This compound is prepared by the reaction of sodium azide and iron(III) sulfate in methanol:^[2]

6 NaN₃ + Fe₂(SO₄)₃ → 2 Fe(N₃)₃ + 3 Na₂SO₄

Iron(III) azide can also be formed by pulse gamma-irradiation of a mixture of iron(II) perchlorate, sodium azide, and hydrogen peroxide.^[3] Under these conditions, a neutral N₃ radical is formed, which oxidizes the iron(II) to iron(III); the iron(III) then promptly combines with azide ions.

References