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SODIUM AZIDE

MacsChem > Lab & Other Analytical Reagents > SODIUM AZIDE

Sodium azide is an inorganic compound that appears as a colorless sodium salt of hydrazoic acid. It is often known as the gas-forming component in car airbag systems and for preparing other azide compounds. This ionic solid is highly soluble in water and is extremely toxic. It has a layered crystalline structure, and its synthesis generally involves a reaction of sodium amide with nitrous oxide.

CAS No.: 26628-22-8

Synonyms: Azide, sodium; Natriumazid; Smite; Hydrazoic acid sodium salt; Azoture de sodium; azidosodium; Sodiumazide; Azydek sodu; Kazoe.

Physical Properties
Chemical formulaNaN3
IUPAC Namesodium;azide
Molecular weight65.010 g/mol
SolubilityWater, Ethanol & DMSO
Density1.846 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
ColorColorless to White
StateSolid Powder, Crystals
Melting point275 °C
λmax205.1 nm
pKa4.8
Specific Gravity1.850
  • Automobile Airbags: Sodium azide is used as a gas-generating agent in airbags, decomposing swiftly to produce nitrogen gas, which blows up the airbag during a crash.
  • Chemical Synthesis: Sodium azide acts as a precursor in the synthesis of other azide compounds, consisting of explosives like lead azide and silver azide, and is used in organic chemistry to introduce the azide functional group.
  • Biomedical Applications: Sodium azide is used as a preservative in laboratory solutions and assists as a probe reagent in biochemistry. Further, also acts as an antibacterial agent in reagents to inhibit bacterial growth.
  • Agricultural Uses: Sodium azide is utilized in agriculture as a soil fumigant, it controls soil-borne pests and pathogens. It is also used as a mutagen in plant breeding this creates desirable crop traits.
  • Pesticide and Biocide: Sodium azide works as a pesticide and biocide, especially against bacteria in lab settings, and as a preservative in biological solutions.
  • Mutagen in Crop Selection: In agriculture, sodium azide is used as a toxin to create mutations in crops like rice, barley, and oats for crop selection.
  • Destruction of Bacteria: Sodium azide functions as a bacteriostatic agent by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase in gram-negative bacteria, although some gram-positive bacteria remain resistant.
  • 0.01% Sodium azide in PBS: A solution of 0.01% sodium azide in PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) is commonly used in laboratory settings as a preservative.
Pictograms :
Hazard Statements :

H300 + H310 + H330: Fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled.
H373: May cause damage to organs (Brain) through prolonged or repeated exposure if swallowed.
H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Precautionary statements :P262: Do not get in the eyes, on the skin, or clothing.
P264: Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
P273: Avoid release to the environment.
P280: Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing.
P302 + P352 + P310: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor.
P304 + P340 + P310: IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. Immediately call a POISON CENTER/ doctor.

Sodium azide is an inorganic compound that appears as a colorless sodium salt of hydrazoic acid. It is often known as the gas-forming component in car airbag systems and for preparing other azide compounds. This ionic solid is highly soluble in water and is extremely toxic. It has a layered crystalline structure, and its synthesis generally involves a reaction of sodium amide with nitrous oxide.

CAS No.: 26628-22-8

Synonyms: Azide, sodium; Natriumazid; Smite; Hydrazoic acid sodium salt; Azoture de sodium; azidosodium; Sodiumazide; Azydek sodu; Kazoe.

Physical Properties
Chemical formulaNaN3
IUPAC Namesodium;azide
Molecular weight65.010 g/mol
SolubilityWater, Ethanol & DMSO
Density1.846 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
ColorColorless to White
StateSolid Powder, Crystals
Melting point275 °C
λmax205.1 nm
pKa4.8
Specific Gravity1.850
  • Automobile Airbags: Sodium azide is used as a gas-generating agent in airbags, decomposing swiftly to produce nitrogen gas, which blows up the airbag during a crash.
  • Chemical Synthesis: Sodium azide acts as a precursor in the synthesis of other azide compounds, consisting of explosives like lead azide and silver azide, and is used in organic chemistry to introduce the azide functional group.
  • Biomedical Applications: Sodium azide is used as a preservative in laboratory solutions and assists as a probe reagent in biochemistry. Further, also acts as an antibacterial agent in reagents to inhibit bacterial growth.
  • Agricultural Uses: Sodium azide is utilized in agriculture as a soil fumigant, it controls soil-borne pests and pathogens. It is also used as a mutagen in plant breeding this creates desirable crop traits.
  • Pesticide and Biocide: Sodium azide works as a pesticide and biocide, especially against bacteria in lab settings, and as a preservative in biological solutions.
  • Mutagen in Crop Selection: In agriculture, sodium azide is used as a toxin to create mutations in crops like rice, barley, and oats for crop selection.
  • Destruction of Bacteria: Sodium azide functions as a bacteriostatic agent by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase in gram-negative bacteria, although some gram-positive bacteria remain resistant.
  • 0.01% Sodium azide in PBS: A solution of 0.01% sodium azide in PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) is commonly used in laboratory settings as a preservative.
Pictograms :
Hazard Statements :

H300 + H310 + H330: Fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled.
H373: May cause damage to organs (Brain) through prolonged or repeated exposure if swallowed.
H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Precautionary statements :P262: Do not get in the eyes, on the skin, or clothing.
P264: Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
P273: Avoid release to the environment.
P280: Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing.
P302 + P352 + P310: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor.
P304 + P340 + P310: IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. Immediately call a POISON CENTER/ doctor.

FAQ's

Sodium azide is a toxic, colorless salt used in airbags, chemical synthesis, and as a preservative in labs.

Sodium azide inhibits cellular respiration by blocking cytochrome c oxidase in the electron transport chain, reducing ATP production.

Sodium azide is a strong explosive. It decomposes rapidly upon heating or impact, releasing nitrogen gas and sodium, which can be hazardous.

Yes, sodium azide is toxic to cells. It inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, disrupting cellular respiration and leading to cell death.

To make a 0.1% sodium azide solution, dissolve 1 gram of sodium azide in distilled water to make a final volume of 1 liter. Stir until fully dissolved and store in a labeled container.

Yes, sodium azide is highly toxic to humans. It can cause severe health effects, including nausea, headache, dizziness, and even death if ingested or inhaled in sufficient quantities. It is crucial to handle it with care and follow safety guidelines.

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