X-ray crystallography shows that AgN3 is a coordination polymer with square planarAg+ coordinated by four azide ligands. Correspondingly, each end of each azide ligand is connected to a pair of Ag+ centers. The structure consists of two-dimensional AgN3 layers stacked one on top of the other, with weaker Ag–N bonds between layers. The coordination of Ag+ can alternatively be described as highly distorted 4 + 2 octahedral, the two more distant nitrogen atoms being part of the layers above and below.[3]
Part of a layer
Layer stacking
4 + 2 coordination of Ag+
2 + 1 coordination of N in N−3
In its most characteristic reaction, the solid decomposes explosively, releasing nitrogen gas:
2 AgN3(s) → 3 N2(g) + 2 Ag(s)
The first step in this decomposition is the production of free electrons and azide radicals; thus the reaction rate is increased by the addition of semiconducting oxides.[4] Pure silver azide explodes at 340 °C, but the presence of impurities lowers this down to 270 °C.[5] This reaction has a lower activation energy and initial delay than the corresponding decomposition of lead azide.[6]
^Schmidt, C. L. Dinnebier, R.; Wedig, U.; Jansen, M. (2007). "Crystal Structure and Chemical Bonding of the High-Temperature Phase of AgN3". Inorganic Chemistry. 46 (3): 907–916. doi:10.1021/ic061963n. PMID17257034.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^Andrew Knox Galwey; Michael E. Brown (1999). Thermal decomposition of ionic solids (vol.86 of Studies in physical and theoretical chemistry. Elsevier. p. 335. ISBN978-0-444-82437-0.
^ abMargaret-Ann Armour (2003). Hazardous laboratory chemicals disposal guide, Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology (3rd ed.). CRC Press. p. 452. ISBN978-1-56670-567-7.
^Jehuda Yinon; Shmuel Zitrin (1996). Modern Methods and Applications in Analysis of Explosives. John Wiley and Sons. pp. 15–16. ISBN978-0-471-96562-6.