Sodium azide
Sodium azide
Sodium azide (pronunciation: SO-dee-um AY-zide) is a rapidly acting, potentially deadly chemical compound with the formula NaN3.
Etymology
The term "sodium azide" is derived from its chemical composition. "Sodium" is derived from the English word for a chemical element with the symbol Na (from Latin "natrium"). "Azide" refers to the anion N3−, a polyatomic ion of nitrogen.
Description
Sodium azide is a white, crystalline solid. It is soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohols. It is a powerful oxidizer and can react explosively with other compounds, especially heavy metals.
Uses
Sodium azide is used in a variety of applications. It is used in the automotive industry in airbag systems due to its ability to rapidly produce large volumes of gas when heated. In the laboratory, it is used as a preservative for samples, as a biological mutagen, and as a means of generating azide anion in solution.
Health effects
Exposure to sodium azide can have serious health effects. It can cause life-threatening health problems if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Symptoms of exposure can include headache, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sodium azide
- Wikipedia's article - Sodium azide
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