Azide

An azide is a N3- anion, or a reactive group in organic chemistry where a carbon substituent is attached as RN3. The azido group is the corresponding N3 organic functional group.

Azide anion

The anion's structure is:

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:N-=N+=N-

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with a net charge of -1. Some azide salts are very explosive when heated or shaken, such as NaN3, which is used in airbags. The azide anion is toxic, inhibiting the function of cytochrome c oxidase by binding irreversibly to the heme cofactor, in a process similar to that of carbon monoxide. Inorganic azide compounds are for instance the explosive lead azide and sodium azide, the active ingredient in airbags.

Related Topics:
Airbag - Cytochrome c oxidase - Explosive - Lead azide - Sodium azide

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