Iron(III) azide

Iron(III) azide
Names
Other names
  • Ferric azide
  • Iron triazide
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
  • InChI=1S/Fe.3N3/c;3*1-3-2/q+3;3*-1
    Key: MKNZTJIHKCVUHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • [N-]=[N+]=[N-].[N-]=[N+]=[N-].[N-]=[N+]=[N-].[Fe+3]
Properties
Fe(N3)3
Molar mass 181.9053 g/mol
Appearance Dark brown solid[1]
Melting point Explodes
Solubility Soluble in methanol
Hazards
GHS labelling:
GHS01: Explosive
Danger
Related compounds
Other cations
Cobalt(II) azide
Nickel(II) azide
Copper(II) azide
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Iron(III) azide, also called ferric azide, is a chemical compound with the formula Fe(N3)3. It is an extremely explosive, impact-sensitive, hygroscopic dark brown solid. This compound is used to prepare various azidoalkanes, such as n-butyl azide, from alkenes via formation of alkylboranes and subsequent anti-Markovnikov addition of azide group.[2]

Preparation

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This compound is prepared by the reaction of sodium azide and iron(III) sulfate in methanol:[2]

6 NaN3 + Fe2(SO4)3 → 2 Fe(N3)3 + 3 Na2SO4

Iron(III) azide can also be formed by pulse gamma-irradiation of a mixture of iron(II) perchlorate, sodium azide, and hydrogen peroxide.[3] Under these conditions, a neutral N3 radical is formed, which oxidizes the iron(II) to iron(III); the iron(III) then promptly combines with azide ions.

References

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  1. ^ "10". Chemical Abstracts: Volume 11. the University of Michigan: American Chemical Society. 1917. p. 2901.
  2. ^ a b Andrew D. White (2001). "Iron(III) Azide". Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. doi:10.1002/047084289X.ri053. ISBN 0471936235.
  3. ^ George V. Buxton; Igor Janovský (1976). "Mechanism of the oxidation of iron(II) by the azide radical". Journal of the Chemical Society, Faraday Transactions 1: Physical Chemistry in Condensed Phases. 72: 1884–1886. doi:10.1039/F19767201884.