I'm looking for some information about Copper(I) Azide(stability, storage, synthesis and safty issue)
Thanks in advancehissingnoise - 15-8-2010 at 11:53
Cuprous azide explodes @ ~174*C, and lead azide @ ~327; aluminium is preferred for detonators using Pb(N3)2 to prevent the formation of sensitive
azides including cuprous azide. . .
Inorganic - 15-8-2010 at 12:25
I don't want to use CuN3 as an initiator only as a reagent for "copper(I) chemistry". I write in this topic only because this compound has explosive
properties. I've heard that copper (II) azide is extremely dangerous in handling and I wants to know how to work with Copper(I) Azide(in particular
sensitivity to friction in solvent (H2O, EtOH, acetone) and dry, heat in solvent to boiling point, light and etc.)...
[Edited on 15-8-2010 by Inorganic]quicksilver - 15-8-2010 at 12:52
I believe it was a man named Ken Turnbull (or Turnbill) who did some work on azide sensitivity. Cuprous azide was supposed to have one of the highest
levels of sensitivity to initiation (friction static, impact) along with re-crystallized mercuric azide (this is curious because the dynamics of the
re-crystallization on shape, etc).
Whether this could be blunted by immersion in a solution was not clearly defined from what I had read. However the level of sensitivity was so high
& what occurs from crystal breakage in mercury & lead azide the only reasonable course of action is to never even consider experimentation
without a blast shield and / or milligram amounts. Since the initiator would be a case of crystal breakage, the immersion in a solution may not
mitigate the explosive phenomenon (as the crystal would be intact).
Dextrinated lead azide is NO defense against a case of needle crystals in improperly mfg lead azide so logically a liquid buffer would also not
necessarily mitigate this issue either. But I have no documentation to that effect. It simply seems logical.
What Hissingnoise had said is what also I had read. - That copper was never to be in contact with azide so as to prevent formation of Cuprous azide
which may have completely unpredictable effects on the stability of the alternative azide salts.
Copper has this effect on other materials as well - particularly chlorates and perchlorates. A series of explosions of an ammonium perchlorate plant
was traced to a brass valve (in contact with the chemical). Chlorates could be totally unpredictable in their explosions with experiments to even
minor contact with copper. TTBoMK copper capsules were only used with mercury fulminate; which appears to have a sensitivity to aluminum.
I'd bet someone has the exact documentation [of copper influence] available as the matter had been discussed previously, etc.
[Edited on 15-8-2010 by quicksilver]The WiZard is In - 15-8-2010 at 13:56
I'm looking for some information about Copper(I) Azide(stability, storage, synthesis and safty issue)
The loneliest person in the world is not the Maytag repairman
its a librarian, no one seems to use them anymore. Why do any
work when simply posting a query on la net will bring instant
answers. Granted some answers are from who I would politely
call à chaque son nid est beau, no sorry wrong quote try this
— barbae tenus sapientes, therefore I suggest a book —
HD Fair & RF Walker
Energetic Materials
Volume 1 Physics and Chemistry of the
Inorganic Azides
Plenum Press
1977
Devote 4 1/2 pages to Azides of Copper
They note - Over 30 publications dealing with the chemistry
of copper azides, describing a large variety of explosive solids
with colors ranging from .....
All copper azides explode, but the sensitivities vary widely.....
&c., &c.
Thus not a question where upon a simple answer can be provided.
Try searching Science most mad using the sites search feature,
or and I prefer this method — use Google.The WiZard is In - 16-8-2010 at 08:29
I'm looking for some information about Copper(I) Azide(stability, storage, synthesis and safty issue)
You want to consult — its tooooo dangerous for me to post
for a person like you, go bother your inter-library loan
librarian for a copy.
KJ Holloway, E.R.D.E.
Paper C-3
The Preparation, Identification and Sensitiveness of Copper Azides
Proceedings of the Symposium on Lead and Copper Azides
Held on 25th-26th October 1966
Corporate Author: EXPLOSIVES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
ESTABLISHMENT WALTHAM ABBEY (UNITED KINGDOM)
Report Date: 26 Oct 1966
Media Count: 129 Pages(s)
Abstract: The purpose of the Symposium was to survey the
present state of knowledge of the chemistry of lead azide as it
affects preparation and use of the substance as an initiating
explosive. Discussion includes the crystallography of lead and
copper azides, the effect of environmental conditions, analytical
problems and the hazards in preparation and handling.Engager - 19-8-2010 at 16:49
[Edited on 20-8-2010 by Engager]Inorganic - 31-8-2010 at 08:21
