What is Lead azide?
'''Lead azide''', also known as '''lead(II) azide''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is Pb(N<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>. It contains [[lead]] and [[azide]] [[ion]]s. It contains lead in its +2 [[oxidation state]]. Lead azide is an [[explosive]]. Most other azides just burn rapidly. It is used as a detonator to [[detonation|detonate]] other explosives. It is made by reacting [[lead(II) nitrate]] and [[sodium azide]]. It can be destroyed by [[sodium dichromate]]. It can react with other metals such as [[copper]] to make even more sensitive azide explosives. It does not become less of an explosive when wet. It will explode if it is dropped {{convert|6|in|cm}}. ==Related pages== *[[Lead(II) oxide]] *[[Sodium amide]] [[Category:Lead compounds]] [[Category:Nitrogen compounds]] [[Category:Explosives]]