Tetraazidomethane Explained

Tetraazidomethane,, is a colorless, highly explosive liquid. Its chemical structure consists of a carbon atom covalently bonded to four azide functional groups.

Synthesis

It was first prepared by Klaus Banert in 2006 by reaction of trichloroacetonitrile with sodium azide.[1]

Uses

As with other polyazides, tetraazidomethane has interest as a high-energy-density material with potential uses in explosives, propellants, or fireworks.[2] Silicon tetraazide is also a known compound.

Reactions

Banert has reported that tetraazidomethane participates in a number of reactions including hydrolysis, cycloaddition reactions with alkenes and alkynes, and reaction with phosphines to form phosphazenes.[1]

Notes and References

  1. "The Exciting Chemistry of Tetraazidomethane", Klaus Banert, Young-Hyuk Joo, Tobias Ruffer, Bernhard Walfort, and Heinrich Lang, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2007, 46, 1168–1171.
  2. "Tetraazidomethane: Chemistry with a Bang", Chemical & Engineering News, Dec. 18, 2006, 46.