azide.svg) | |
-azide-xtal-a-2x2x2-3D-bs-17.png) | |
_01.JPG) | |
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name Diazidolead | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) | |
| ChemSpider |
|
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.033.206 |
| EC Number |
|
| UNII | |
| UN number | 0129 |
| |
| |
| Properties | |
| Pb(N3)2 | |
| Molar mass | 291.2 g·mol−1 |
| 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 inacetic acid Insoluble inammonia solution,[1]NH4OH[2] |
| Thermochemistry | |
Std enthalpy of formation(ΔfH⦵298) | 462.3 kJ/mol[1] |
| Explosive data | |
| Shock sensitivity | High |
| Friction sensitivity | High |
| Detonation velocity | 5180 m/s |
| Hazards | |
| Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH): | |
Main hazards | Harmful, explosive |
| GHS labelling: | |
    [3] | |
| Danger | |
| H200,H302,H332,H360,H373,H410[3] | |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
| 350 °C (662 °F; 623 K) | |
| Related compounds | |
Othercations | Potassium azide Sodium azide Copper(II) azide |
Related compounds | Hydrazoic acid |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Lead(II) azidePb(N3)2 is aninorganic compound. More so than otherazides, it is explosive. It is used indetonators to initiatesecondary explosives.[5] In a commercially usable form, it is a white tobuff powder.
Lead(II) azide is prepared by the reaction ofsodium azide andlead(II) nitrate in aqueous solution.[6][5]Lead(II) acetate can also be used.[7][8]
Thickeners such asdextrin orpolyvinyl alcohol are often added to the solution to stabilize the precipitated product. In fact, it is normally shipped in a dextrinated solution that lowers its sensitivity.[9]
Lead azide in its pure form was first prepared byTheodor 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.[10] Detonator development during World War II resulted in the need for a form of lead azide with a morebrisant output. RD-1333 lead azide (MIL-DTL-46225), a version of lead azide with sodiumcarboxymethyl cellulose 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.[11]
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. Itsdetonation velocity is around 5,180 m/s (17,000 ft/s).[12]
Ammonium acetate andsodium dichromate are used to destroy small quantities of lead azide.[13]
Lead azide has immediate deflagration to detonation transition (DDT), meaning that even small amounts undergo full detonation (after being hit by flame or static electricity).[citation needed]
Leadazide reacts withcopper,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.[14]
Lead azide was a component of the six .22 (5.6 mm) caliber Devastator rounds fired from aRöhm RG-14 revolver byJohn Hinckley, Jr. in his assassination attempt on U.S. PresidentRonald Reagan on March 30, 1981. The rounds consisted of lead azide centers with lacquer-sealed aluminum tips designed to explode upon impact. A strong probability exists that the bullet which struck White House press secretaryJames Brady in the head exploded. The remaining bullets that hit people, including the shot that hit President Reagan, did not explode.[15][16]
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of December 2024 (link)