Silver azide, AgN₃

Hydrazoic acid reacts with Silver nitrate, forming the Silver azide, AgN₃. It is also produced by the interaction of silver nitrite and hydrazine sulphate in aqueous solution:

AgNO₂ + H₂N•NH₂ = H₂N•N: NOAg + H₂O = AgN₃ + 2H₂O.

A solution of sodium azide gives with Silver nitrate a greyish precipitate of silver azide. The salt crystallizes in white needles, melting at 250° C., and is exploded energetically by percussion or by exposure to green light. It is suitable for use as a general primer.

Berthollet's " fulminating silver " is produced by addition of alcohol to a concentrated solution of Silver monoxide in ammonium hydroxide. It forms small, black crystals, exploded by friction, and soluble in potassium-cyanide solution. It probably has the formula NAg₃ or NAgH₂; and it has no connexion with silver fulminate, C:N•O•Ag.