Potassium azide

[6] KN3 is prepared by treating potassium carbonate with hydrazoic acid, which is generated in situ.

[7] In contrast, the analogous sodium azide is prepared (industrially) by the "Wislicenus process," which proceeds via the reaction sodium amide with nitrous oxide.

[8] Upon heating or upon irradiation with ultraviolet light, it decomposes into potassium metal and nitrogen gas.

The threshold limit value of the related sodium azide is 0.07 ppm.

The toxicity of azides arise from their ability to inhibit cytochrome c oxidase.

NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 4: Very short exposure could cause death or major residual injury. E.g. VX gas Flammability 3: Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Flash point between 23 and 38 °C (73 and 100 °F). E.g. gasoline Instability 3: Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition but requires a strong initiating source, must be heated under confinement before initiation, reacts explosively with water, or will detonate if severely shocked. E.g. hydrogen peroxide Special hazards (white): no code
Coordination sphere of azide in K,Rb,Cs,TlN 3