What Is The Chemical Formula For Silver Azide?

The chemical formula for silver azide is AgN3. It is a highly explosive compound made up of one silver ion (Ag+) and three azide ions (N3-). The azide ion is a negatively charged polyatomic ion that consists of three nitrogen atoms covalently bonded together, and it is highly reactive due to the presence of these nitrogen-nitrogen bonds.

Silver azide can be synthesized by mixing a solution of silver nitrate (AgNO3) with sodium azide (NaN3) in water to form a white precipitate of AgN3. However, great care must be taken when handling or storing this compound as it can decompose explosively, releasing nitrogen gas.

Due to its explosive nature, silver azide is used primarily in the manufacture of certain types of detonators and initiators used in explosives.