Copper(II) azide

Copper(II) azide is a medium density explosive with the molecular formula Cu(N3)2.

Copper azide is very explosive and is too sensitive for any practical use unless handled in solution.

Copper azide can be prepared by a metathesis reaction between water-soluble sources of Cu2+ and azide ions.

(Spectator ions omitted in reaction below).

It can be destroyed by concentrated nitric acid to form non-explosive products, these being nitrogen, nitrogen oxides and copper(II) nitrate.

NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury. E.g. chlorine gas Flammability 0: Will not burn. E.g. water Instability 4: Readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition at normal temperatures and pressures. E.g. nitroglycerin Special hazards (white): no code