Lead(II) azide

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Lead(II) azide
Skeletal formula of lead(II) azide
Lead(II) azide (modified beta)
Names
IUPAC name
Diazidolead
Identifiers
13424-46-9 YesY
ChemSpider 55508 N
EC Number 236-542-1
Jmol 3D model Interactive image
PubChem 61600
UN number 0129
  • InChI=1S/2N3.Pb/c2*1-3-2;/q2*-1;+2 N
    Key: ISEQAARZRCDNJH-UHFFFAOYSA-N N
  • InChI=1S/2N3.Pb/c2*1-3-2;/q2*-1;+2
    Key: ISEQAARZRCDNJH-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • [N-]=[N+]=N[Pb]N=[N+]=[N-]
Properties
Pb(N3)2
Appearance White powder
Density 4.71 g/cm3
Melting point 190 °C (374 °F; 463 K) decomposes,[2] explodes at 350 °C[1]
2.3 g/100 mL (18 °C)
9.0 g/100 mL (70 °C)[1]
Solubility Very soluble in acetic acid
Insoluble in ammonia solution,[1] NH4OH[2]
Thermochemistry
462.3 kJ/mol[1]
Explosive data
Shock sensitivity High
Friction sensitivity High
Detonation velocity 5180 m/s
Vapor pressure {{{value}}}
Related compounds
Other cations
 Potassium azide
Sodium azide
Copper(II) azide
Related compounds
 Hydrazoic acid
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
N verify (what is YesYN ?)
Infobox references

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.[3] An alternative method involves dissolving lead acetate in a sodium azide solution.[4][5]

Production History

Lead azide in its pure form was first prepared by Theodor Curtius in 1891. Due to sensitivity and stability concerns, the dextrinated form of lead azide (MIL-L-3055) was developed in the 1920s and 1930s with large scale production by DuPont Co beginning in 1932.[6] Detonator development during World War II resulted in the need for a form of lead azide with a more brisant output. RD-1333 lead azide (MIL-DTL-46225), a version of lead azide with sodium carboxymethylcellulose as a precipitating agent, was developed to meet that need. The Vietnam War saw an accelerated need for lead azide and it was during this time that Special Purpose Lead Azide (MIL-L-14758) was developed; the US government also began stockpiling lead azide in large quantities. After the Vietnam War, the use of lead azide dramatically decreased. Due to the size of the US stockpile, the manufacture of lead azide in the US ceased completely by the early 1990s. In the 2000s, concerns about the age and stability of stockpiled lead azide led the US government to investigate methods to dispose of its stockpiled lead azide and obtain new manufacturers.[citation needed]

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 5,180 m/s (17,000 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 from a Röhm RG-14 revolver 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.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 CID 61600 from PubChem
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ http://www.lambdasyn.org/synfiles/bleiazid.htm
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ The Exploding Bullets, by Pete Barley and Charles Babcock, Washington Post, 4 Apr, 1981. Retrieved 28 February 2007.

External links

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