Thallium azide, TlN3, is a yellow-brown crystalline solid poorly soluble in water. Although it is not nearly as sensitive to shock or friction as lead azide, it can easily be detonated by a flame or spark. It can be stored safely dry in a closed non-metallic container.

Thallium azide
Names
IUPAC name
Thallium(I) azide
Other names
thallium azide
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
  • InChI=1S/N3.Tl/c1-3-2;/q-1;+1 checkY
    Key: GMUSFHMEMWCQIE-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
  • InChI=1/N3.Tl/c1-3-2;/q-1;+1
    Key: GMUSFHMEMWCQIE-UHFFFAOYAP
  • [Tl+].[N-]=[N+]=[N-]
Properties
TlN3
Molar mass 246.40 g·mol−1
Appearance yellow-brown crystals
insoluble
Structure
Tetragonal, tI16[1]
I4/mcm, No. 140
Hazards
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH):
Main hazards
very toxic
GHS labelling:
GHS01: Explosive GHS06: Toxic GHS08: Health hazard GHS09: Environmental hazard
Danger
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704 four-colored diamondHealth 4: Very short exposure could cause death or major residual injury. E.g. VX gasFlammability 0: Will not burn. E.g. waterInstability 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 peroxideSpecial hazards (white): no code
4
0
3
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
☒N verify (what is checkY☒N ?)

Preparation and structure

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Thallium azide can be prepared treating an aqueous solution of thallium(I) sulfate with sodium azide. Thallium azide will precipitate; the yield can be maximized by cooling.

TlN3, KN3, RbN3, and CsN3 adopt the same structures. The azide is bound to eight cations in an eclipsed orientation. The cations are bound to eight terminal N centers.[2]

 
Coordination sphere of azide in KN3, RbN3, CsN3 and TlN3.

Safety

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All thallium compounds are poisonous and should be handled with care; avoid breathing any dust or fumes.

References

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  1. ^ Mauer F.A.; Hubbard C.R.; Hahn T.A. (1973). "Thermal expansion and low temperature phase transition of thallous azide". J. Chem. Phys. 59 (7): 3770–3776. Bibcode:1973JChPh..59.3770M. doi:10.1063/1.1680549.
  2. ^ Ulrich Müller "Verfeinerung der Kristallstrukturen von KN3, RbN3, CsN3 und TIN3" Zeitschrift für anorganische und allgemeine Chemie 1972, Volume 392, 159–166. doi:10.1002/zaac.19723920207