Substance profile
Sodium azide
Sodium azide is colorless hexagonal crystals and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Sodium azide is
Sodium azide is colorless hexagonal crystals and is odorless. Its molecular formula is N3Na and its molecular weight is 65.01 g/mol. It melts at 275 °C, is slightly soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Sodium azide
- NaN3
- Azide
- Azium
- Hydrazoic Acid, Sodium Salt
- Kazoe
- Nemazyd
- Smite
- Sodium Azide (Na(N3))
- Sodium Azide(Na(N3))
- Sodium Salt Of Hydrazoic Acid
- U-3886
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH032
Precautionary statements: P270, P273, P301, P310, P330, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Sodium azide properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | Decomposes | decomposes | NIOSH |
| Decomposes in vacuum (EPA, 1998) | decomposes | CAMEO | |
| decomposes | decomposes | OSHA | |
| Melting point | 275 °C (527 °F) | decomp | HSDB |
| 275 °C (527 °F) | decomposes | NIOSH | |
| Density | 1.85 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.846 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in ethanol, insoluble in ethyl ether | HSDB | |
| Slightly soluble in alcohol; insoluble in ether; soluble in liquid ammonia | HSDB | ||
| 50 to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992) | at 22.22 °C | CAMEO | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0075 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| Flash point | Not flammable (EPA, 1998) | CAMEO | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | May explode when heated above its melting point, especially if heating is rapid. | HSDB | |
| Combustible Solid (if heated above 572 °F). | NIOSH | ||
| Insensitive to impact, it decomposes, sometimes explosively, above mp, particularly if heated rapidly. | decomposes | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Very corrosive to aluminum, moderate to copper and lead | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Sodium azide
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Never allow product to get in contact with water during storage. Do not store near acids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Halogenated hydrocarbon, metals, acids, acid chlorides, hydrazine, dimethyl sulfate, inorganic acid chlorides.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
SODIUM AZIDE is unstable. Decomposes rapidly or explosively at about 300 °C [Hawley]. May explode if shocked. Forms violently explosive products if exposed to carbon disulfide. Can be sensitized toward decomposition by metal salts (especially heavy metal salts such as silver chloride) or by traces of strong acids [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 298].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Sodium azide in the storage compatibility matrix →
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