Tetraazidomethane

Tetraazidomethane, C(N3)4, 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.


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Uses
As with other polyazides, tetraazidomethane has interest as a high-energy-density material with potential uses in explosives, propellants, or fireworks. 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.


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