View source for Sodium azide

{{Short description|Chemical compound}}
{{redirect-distinguish|NaN3|NaN}}
{{distinguish|sodium nitride}}
{{chembox
|Verifiedfields = changed
|Watchedfields = changed
|verifiedrevid = 464399913
|Name = Sodium azide
|ImageFile1 = Sodium_azide.svg
|IUPACName=Sodium azide
|ImageSize1 = 160px
|ImageFile2 = NaN3SmallSection.tif
|ImageSize2 = 260px
|ImageFile3 = Sodium azide 01.JPG
|OtherNames = Sodium trinitride<br/>Smite<br/>Azium
|Section1={{Chembox Identifiers
|ChemSpiderID_Ref = {{chemspidercite|correct|chemspider}}
|ChemSpiderID = 30958
|ChEMBL_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}}
|ChEMBL = 89295
|InChI = 1/N3.Na/c1-3-2;/q-1;+1
|InChIKey = PXIPVTKHYLBLMZ-UHFFFAOYAH
|ChEBI_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}}
|ChEBI = 278547
|SMILES = [N-]=[N+]=[N-].[Na+]
|StdInChI_Ref = {{stdinchicite|correct|chemspider}}
|StdInChI = 1S/N3.Na/c1-3-2;/q-1;+1
|StdInChIKey_Ref = {{stdinchicite|correct|chemspider}}
|StdInChIKey = PXIPVTKHYLBLMZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
|CASNo = 26628-22-8
|CASNo_Ref = {{cascite|correct|CAS}}
|UNII_Ref = {{fdacite|correct|FDA}}
|UNII = 968JJ8C9DV
|UNNumber = [[List of UN Numbers 1601 to 1700|1687]]
|EINECS = 247-852-1
|RTECS = VY8050000
|PubChem = 33557
}}
|Section2={{Chembox Properties
|Formula = {{chem2|NaN3}}
|MolarMass = 65.0099&nbsp;g/mol
|Appearance = Colorless to white solid
|Odor = Odorless
|Density = 1.846&nbsp;g/cm<sup>3</sup> (20&nbsp;°C)
|Solubility = 38.9&nbsp;g/100{{nnbsp}}mL (0&nbsp;°C) <br>40.8&nbsp;g/100{{nnbsp}}mL (20&nbsp;°C) <br>55.3&nbsp;g/100{{nnbsp}}mL (100&nbsp;°C)
|Solvent1 = methanol
|Solubility1 = 2.48&nbsp;g/100{{nnbsp}}mL (25&nbsp;°C)
|Solvent2 = ethanol
|Solubility2 = 0.22&nbsp;g/100{{nnbsp}}mL (0&nbsp;°C)
|SolubleOther = Very soluble in [[ammonia]] <br>Slightly soluble in [[benzene]] <br>Insoluble in [[diethyl ether]], [[acetone]], [[hexane]], [[chloroform]]
|MeltingPtC = 275
|MeltingPt_notes = violent decomposition
|pKa = 4.8
}}
|Section3={{Chembox Structure
|CrystalStruct = [[Hexagonal crystal system|Hexagonal]], [[Pearson symbol|hR12]]<ref name=stevens>{{cite journal |author1=Stevens E. D. |author2=Hope H. | title = A Study of the Electron-Density Distribution in Sodium Azide, {{chem|NaN|3}} | journal = Acta Crystallographica A | year = 1977 | volume = 33 | issue = 5 |pages = 723–729 | doi = 10.1107/S0567739477001855 | doi-access = free }}</ref> 
|SpaceGroup = R-3m, No. 166
}}
|Section4={{Chembox Thermochemistry
|DeltaHf = 21.3&nbsp;kJ/mol
|DeltaGf = 99.4&nbsp;kJ/mol
|Entropy = 70.5&nbsp;J/mol·K
|HeatCapacity = 76.6&nbsp;J/mol·K
}}
|Section5={{Chembox Hazards
|ExternalSDS = [http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0950.htm ICSC 0950]
|GHSPictograms = {{GHS01}} {{GHS skull and crossbones}} {{GHS health hazard}} {{GHS environment}}
|GHSSignalWord = '''DANGER'''
|HPhrases = {{H-phrases|300|310|410}}
|PPhrases = {{P-phrases|260|280|301+310|501}} <ref>{{cite web | url=https://molekula.com/catalog/26628-22-8/31803515-Sodium%20azide | title=Sodium azide}}</ref>
|NFPA-H = 4
|NFPA-F = 1
|NFPA-R = 3
|FlashPtC = 300
|LD50 = 27&nbsp;mg/kg (oral, rats/mice)<ref name=stevens/>
|PEL = None<ref name=PGCH>{{PGCH|0560}}</ref>
|IDLH = N.D.<ref name=PGCH/>
|REL = C 0.1&nbsp;ppm (as {{chem2|HN3}}) [skin] <br/>C 0.3&nbsp;mg/m<sup>3</sup> (as {{chem2|NaN3}}) [skin]<ref name=PGCH/>
}}
|Section6={{Chembox Related
|OtherAnions = [[Sodium cyanide]]
|OtherCations = [[Potassium azide]]<br>[[Ammonium azide]]
}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Material Safety Data Sheet |url=http://www.lamission.edu/lifesciences/MSDS/MSDS/SodiumAzide.pdf |date=November 6, 2008 |access-date=October 26, 2015 |publisher=Sciencelab.com |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031149/http://www.lamission.edu/lifesciences/MSDS/MSDS/SodiumAzide.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}

'''Sodium azide''' is an [[inorganic compound]] with the [[chemical formula|formula]] {{chem2|NaN3}}. This colorless [[salt (chemistry)|salt]] is the gas-forming component in some car [[airbag]] systems. It is used for the preparation of other [[azide]] compounds. It is highly soluble in [[water]] and is acutely poisonous.<ref name=Ull/>

==Structure==
Sodium [[azide]] is an [[ionic solid]]. Two [[Polymorphism (materials science)|crystalline forms]] are known, rhombohedral and hexagonal.<ref name=stevens/><ref>{{Wells1984}}</ref> Both adopt layered structures. The azide anion is very similar in each form, being [[centrosymmetric]] with N–N distances of 1.18 Å. The {{chem2|Na+}} ion has an [[octahedral molecular geometry|octahedral]] geometry. Each azide is linked to six {{chem2|Na+}} center ions, with three Na–N bonds to each terminal nitrogen center.<ref>{{cite journal|title = The crystal structures of lithium, sodium and strontium azides|journal = Acta Crystallographica Section B|date = 1968-02-15|pages = 262–269|volume = 24|issue = 2|doi = 10.1107/s0567740868002062|first1 = G. E.|last1 = Pringle|first2 = D. E.|last2 = Noakes|doi-access = | bibcode=1968AcCrB..24..262P }}</ref>

==Preparation==
The common synthesis method is the "[[Johannes Wislicenus|Wislicenus]] process", which proceeds in two steps in [[liquid ammonia]]. In the first step, ammonia is converted to [[sodium amide]] by metallic [[sodium]]:
:{{chem2|2 Na + 2 NH3 → 2 NaNH2 + H2}}

The sodium amide is subsequently combined with [[nitrous oxide]]:
:{{chem2|2 NaNH2 + N2O → NaN3 + NaOH + NH3}}
These reactions are the basis of the industrial route, which produces about 250 tons per year in 2004, with production increasing due to the increased use of [[airbag]]s.<ref name=Ull>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry |publisher = Wiley-VCH |year = 2000 |isbn = 9783527306732 |doi = 10.1002/14356007.a13_193 |first1 = Horst H. |last1 = Jobelius |first2 = Hans-Dieter |last2 = Scharff |chapter = Hydrazoic Acid and Azides}}</ref>

===Laboratory methods===
Curtius and Thiele developed another production process, where a nitrite ester is converted to sodium azide using [[hydrazine]]. This method is suited for laboratory preparation of sodium azide:
:{{chem2|2 NaNO2 + 2 C2H5OH + H2SO4 → 2 C2H5ONO + Na2SO4 + 2 H2O}}
:{{chem2|C2H5ONO + N2H4*H2O + NaOH → NaN3 + C2H5OH + 3 H2O}}
Alternatively the salt can be obtained by the reaction of [[sodium nitrate]] with sodium amide.<ref>{{Holleman&Wiberg}}.</ref>
:{{chem2| 3 NaNH2 +  NaNO3 → NaN3 + 3 NaOH +  NH3}}

== Chemical reactions ==
===Acid formation of hydrazoic acid===
Treatment of sodium azide with strong acids gives [[hydrazoic acid]] (hydrogen azide; HN<sub>3</sub>):
:{{chem2|H+ + N3- → HN3}}
Hydrazoic acid, which is also extremely toxic, is especially dangerous because it is a volatile liquid at room temperature. Otherwise, aqueous solutions contain only minute amounts of hydrazoic acid, as described by the following equilibrium reaction:
:{{chem2|N3- + H2O ⇌ HN3 + OH-}}, ''K'' = 10<sup>−4.6</sup>

===Destruction===
Sodium azide can be destroyed by treatment with [[nitrous acid]] ({{chem2|HNO2}}) generated in situ from a solution of {{chem2|NaN3}} with a metal [[nitrite]] by acidification with a mineral acid.<ref name="PruPrac1995">{{ cite book | author = Committee on Prudent Practices for Handling, Storage, and Disposal of Chemicals in Laboratories, Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology, Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Applications, National Research Council | chapter = Disposal of Waste | title = Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals | year = 1995 | page = 165 | publisher = National Academy Press | location = Washington, DC | isbn = 978-0-309-05229-0 | chapter-url = http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=4911&page=165}}</ref><ref name="Turnbull2008">{{citation | last1=Turnbull | first1=Kenneth | last2=Narsaiah | first2=B. | last3=Yadav | first3=J. S. | last4=Yakaiah | first4=T. | last5=Lingaiah | first5=B. P. V. | title=Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis | chapter=Sodium Azide | publisher=John Wiley & Sons, Ltd | publication-place=Chichester, UK | date=2008-03-14 | doi=10.1002/047084289x.rs045.pub2 | page=| isbn=978-0471936237}}</ref>

:{{chem2|2 NaN3 + 2 HNO2 → 3 N2 + 2 NO + 2 NaOH}}

A safer modification to the above method that avoids the potential production of hydrazoic acid or nitrogen oxide fumes is that of W. F. Rinkenbach. A solution of {{convert|2.5|oz|g|abbr=on}} sodium nitrite in {{convert|1|USpt|mL|abbr=on}} of water is added to a stirring dispersion of {{convert|1|oz|g|abbr=on}} sodium azide in {{convert|1.5|gal|L|abbr=on}} 10% ammonium acetate, followed by addition of {{convert|7|USfloz|mL|abbr=on}} of [[glacial acetic acid]].  The solution is allowed to stand in a warm place for an hour and disposed of.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Fedoroff |first1=Basil T. |last2=Aaronson |first2=Henry A. |last3=Reese |first3=Earl F. |last4=Sheffield |first4=Oliver E. |last5=Clift |first5=George D. |title=Encyclopedia Of Explosives And Related Items Vol. I |date=1960 |publisher=U.S. Army Research And Development Command TACOM, ARDEC: Warheads, Energetics And Combat Support Center, Picatinny Arsenal |location=New Jersey, USA |pages=A574-575 |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/AD0257189.pdf?page=684}}</ref>

==Applications==

===Automobile airbags and aircraft evacuation slides ===
Older [[airbag]] formulations contained mixtures of oxidizers, sodium azide and other agents including ignitors and accelerants. An electronic controller detonates this mixture during an automobile crash:
:{{chem2|2 NaN3 → 2 Na + 3 N2}}
The same reaction occurs upon heating the salt to approximately 300&nbsp;°C. The sodium that is formed is a potential hazard alone and, in automobile airbags, it is converted by reaction with other ingredients, such as [[potassium nitrate]] and [[silica]]. In the latter case, innocuous sodium silicates are generated.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Betterton, E. A. | title = Environmental Fate of Sodium Azide Derived from Automobile Airbags | journal = Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology | year = 2003 | volume = 33 | issue = 4 | pages = 423–458 | doi = 10.1080/10643380390245002 | bibcode = 2003CREST..33..423B | s2cid = 96404307 }}</ref> While sodium azide is still used in evacuation slides on modern aircraft, newer-generation automotive air bags contain less sensitive explosives such as [[nitroguanidine]] or [[guanidine nitrate]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Halford |first1=Bethany |title=What chemicals make airbags inflate, and how have they changed over time? |journal=[[Chemical & Engineering News]] |date=November 15, 2022 |volume=100 |issue=41 |url=https://cen.acs.org/safety/chemicals-make-airbags-inflate-changed/100/i41 |access-date=4 June 2023 |quote=The chemical reaction used to deploy airbags has evolved, but one iteration resulted in massive recalls}} {{open access}}</ref>

===Organic and inorganic synthesis===
Due to its explosion hazard, sodium azide is of only limited value in industrial-scale [[organic synthesis]]. In the laboratory, it is used to introduce the azide functional group by displacement of [[halide]]s.<ref name="Turnbull2008"/> The azide functional group can thereafter be converted to an [[amine]] by reduction with either [[Tin(II) chloride|{{chem2|SnCl2}}]] in ethanol or [[lithium aluminium hydride]] or a tertiary [[phosphine]], such as [[triphenylphosphine]] in the [[Staudinger reaction]], with [[Raney nickel]] or with [[hydrogen sulfide]] in [[pyridine]]. [[Oseltamivir]], an antiviral medication, is currently produced in commercial scale by a method which utilizes sodium azide.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Rohloff John C. |author2=Kent Kenneth M. |author3=Postich Michael J. |author4=Becker Mark W. |author5=Chapman Harlan H. |author6=Kelly Daphne E. |author7=Lew Willard |author8=Louie Michael S. |author9=McGee Lawrence R. | year = 1998 | title = Practical Total Synthesis of the Anti-Influenza Drug GS-4104 | journal = [[J. Org. Chem.]] | volume = 63 | issue = 13| pages = 4545–4550 | doi = 10.1021/jo980330q |display-authors=etal}}</ref>

Sodium azide is a versatile precursor to other inorganic azide compounds, e.g., [[lead azide]] and [[silver azide]], which are used in [[detonator]]s as [[primary explosive]]s. These azides are significantly more [[contact explosive|sensitive to premature detonation]] than sodium azide and thus have limited applications. Lead and silver azide can be made via [[salt metathesis reaction|double displacement reaction]] with sodium azide and their respective [[nitrate]] (most commonly) or [[acetate]] salts. Sodium azide also can react with the [[chloride|chloride salts]] of certain [[alkaline earth metal]]s in aqueous solution, such as [[barium chloride]] or [[strontium chloride]] to respectively produce [[barium azide]] and [[strontium azide]], which are also relatively sensitive primarily explosive materials. These azides can be recovered from solution through careful desiccation.

===Biochemistry and biomedical uses===
Sodium azide is a useful [[probe reagent]], and an antibacterial [[preservative]] for biochemical solutions. In the past [[thiomersal|merthiolate]] and [[chlorobutanol]] were also used as an alternative to azide for preservation of biochemical solutions.<ref name="Scopes 1994 p. ">{{cite book | last=Scopes | first=Robert K. | title=Protein Purification | publisher=Springer New York | publication-place=New York, NY | year=1994 | isbn=978-1-4419-2833-7 | doi=10.1007/978-1-4757-2333-5 | page=204}}</ref>

Sodium azide is an instantaneous inhibitor of [[lactoperoxidase]], which can be useful to stop lactroperoxidase catalyzed [[Iodine-125|<sup>125</sup>I]] protein [[radiolabeling]] experiments.<ref name="Deutscher 1990">{{cite book | last=Deutscher | first=M.P. | title=Guide to Protein Purification | publisher=Academic Press | series=Methods in enzymology | year=1990 | isbn=978-0-12-182083-1 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zTiRJHpKIQoC&pg=PR11 | access-date=2023-04-10 | page=729}}</ref>

In hospitals and laboratories, it is a [[biocide]]; it is especially important in bulk reagents and [[stock solution]]s which may otherwise support [[bacterium|bacteria]]l growth where the sodium azide acts as a [[bacteriostatic]] by inhibiting [[cytochrome oxidase]] in [[gram-negative]] bacteria; however, some [[gram-positive]] bacteria ([[streptococci]], [[Streptococcus pneumoniae|pneumococci]], [[bacillus|lactobacilli]]) are intrinsically resistant.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Lichstein, H. C. |author2=Soule, M. H. | title = Studies of the Effect of Sodium Azide on Microbic Growth and Respiration: I. The Action of Sodium Azide on Microbic Growth | journal = Journal of Bacteriology | volume = 47 | issue = 3 | pages = 221–230 | year = 1943 |doi=10.1128/JB.47.3.221-230.1944 | pmid = 16560767 | pmc = 373901}}</ref>

=== Agricultural uses ===
It is used in [[agriculture]] for pest control of soil-borne pathogens such as ''[[Meloidogyne incognita]]'' or ''[[Helicotylenchus dihystera]]''.<ref>Applications of sodium azide for control of soilborne pathogens in potatoes. Rodriguez-Kabana, R., Backman, P. A. and King, P.S., Plant Disease Reporter, 1975, Vol. 59, No. 6, pp. 528-532 ([http://www.cabdirect.org/abstracts/19750821668.html link])</ref>

It is also used as a [[mutagen]] for crop selection of plants such as rice,<ref>{{cite journal|title = Mutagenic Effects of Sodium Azide in Rice1|journal = Crop Science|date = 2000-01-01|volume = 20|issue = 5|doi = 10.2135/cropsci1980.0011183x002000050030x|first1 = M. Afsar|last1 = Awan|first2 = C. F.|last2 = Konzak|first3 = J. N.|last3 = Rutger|first4 = R. A.|last4 = Nilan|pages = 663–668}}</ref> barley<ref>{{cite journal|title = Biological and genetic effects of combined treatments of sodium azide, gamma rays and EMS in barley|journal = Environmental and Experimental Botany|pages = 281–288|volume = 28|issue = 4|doi = 10.1016/0098-8472(88)90051-2|first1 = Xiongying|last1 = Cheng|first2 = Mingwei|last2 = Gao|year = 1988| bibcode=1988EnvEB..28..281C }}</ref> or oats.<ref>{{cite journal|title = Sodium azide mutagenesis in diploid and hexaploid oats and comparison with ethyl methanesulfonate treatments|journal = Environmental and Experimental Botany|date = 1985-02-01|pages = 7–16|volume = 25|issue = 1|doi = 10.1016/0098-8472(85)90043-7|first = H. W.|last = Rines| bibcode=1985EnvEB..25....7R }}</ref>

==Safety considerations==
Sodium azide can be fatally toxic,<ref>{{cite journal|title = Human Health Effects of Sodium Azide Exposure: A Literature Review and Analysis|journal = International Journal of Toxicology|date = 2003-05-01|issn = 1091-5818|pmid = 12851150|pages = 175–186|volume = 22|issue = 3|doi = 10.1080/10915810305109|first1 = Soju|last1 = Chang|first2 = Steven H.|last2 = Lamm|s2cid = 38664824}}</ref> and even minute amounts can cause symptoms. The toxicity of this compound is comparable to that of soluble alkali [[cyanide]]s,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://hazard.com/msds/mf/baker/baker/files/s2906.htm | title = MSDS: sodium azide | id = MSDS S2906 | publisher = Mallinckrodt Baker | date = 2008-11-21 }}</ref> although no toxicity has been reported from spent airbags.<ref name="OlsonAnderson2006">{{cite book|first1=Kent |last1=Olson|first2=Ilene B. |last2=Anderson|title=Poisoning & Drug Overdose, 5th Edition|url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=25avFCpfQAcC|page=123}}|date=18 September 2006|publisher=McGraw-Hill Companies, Incorporated|isbn=978-0-07-144333-3|pages=123}}</ref>

It produces [[extrapyramidal symptoms]] with necrosis of the [[cerebral cortex]], [[cerebellum]], and [[basal ganglia]]. Toxicity may also include [[hypotension]],<ref>{{cite journal|title = Kidney International - Abstract of article: Epidemic hypotension in a dialysis center caused by sodium azide|journal = Kidney Int|date = 1990-01-01|issn = 0085-2538|pages = 110–115|volume = 37|issue = 1|doi = 10.1038/ki.1990.15|pmid = 2299796|last1 = Gordon|first1 = Steven M.|last2 = Drachman|first2 = Jonathan|last3 = Bland|first3 = Lee A.|last4 = Reid|first4 = Marie H.|last5 = Favero|first5 = Martin|last6 = Jarvis|first6 = William R.|doi-access = free}}</ref> [[blindness]] and [[liver|hepatic]] necrosis. Sodium azide increases [[cyclic GMP]] levels in the brain and liver by activation of [[guanylate cyclase]].<ref>{{cite journal|title = Increases in cyclic GMP levels in brain and liver with sodium azide an activator of guanylate cyclase|journal = Nature|date = 1975-10-23|pages = 700–702|volume = 257|issue = 5528|doi = 10.1038/257700a0|pmid = 241939|first1 = Hiroshi|last1 = Kimura|first2 = Chandra K.|last2 = Mittal|first3 = Ferid|last3 = Murad|bibcode = 1975Natur.257..700K|s2cid = 115294}}</ref>

Sodium azide solutions react with metallic ions to precipitate metal azides, which can be shock sensitive and explosive. This should be considered for choosing a non-metallic transport container for sodium azide solutions in the laboratory. This can also create potentially dangerous situations if azide solutions should be directly disposed down the drain into a sanitary sewer system. Metal in the plumbing system could react, forming highly sensitive metal azide crystals which could accumulate over years. Adequate precautions are necessary for the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of azide solution residues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.northeastern.edu/ehs/ehs-programs/hazardous-waste-management/fact-sheets/sodium-azide/|title = Sodium Azide &#124; Environmental Health & Safety &#124; Northeastern University}}</ref>

=== Intentional consumption ===
{{anchor|Suicide}}
Sodium azide has gained attention in the [[Netherlands]]<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bruin |first1=Maaike A. C. |last2=Dekker |first2=Douwe |last3=Venekamp |first3=Nikkie |last4=Tibben |first4=Matthijs |last5=Rosing |first5=Hilde |last6=de Lange |first6=Dylan W. |last7=Beijnen |first7=Jos H. |last8=Huitema |first8=Alwin D. R. |date=March 2021 |title=Toxicological analysis of azide and cyanide for azide intoxications using gas chromatography |journal=Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology |language=en |volume=128 |issue=3 |pages=534–541 |doi=10.1111/bcpt.13523 |issn=1742-7835 |pmc=7984282 |pmid=33090684}}</ref> and abroad<ref>[https://yar.aif.ru/archive/1809853 Конец скорпиона] // Аргументы и факты</ref> as a chemical used for homicidal and suicidal purposes.

Sodium azide has been attributed to at least 172 deaths in the period from 2015 to 2022 as part of an illicit substance used as a suicide aid commonly called ''drug X'' (Dutch: ''middel X'')<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 April 2024 |title=Zeker 172 mensen overleden door zelfdoding met middel X |trans-title=At least 172 people have died by suicide due to drug X |url=https://www.nu.nl/gezondheid/6309490/zeker-172-mensen-overleden-door-zelfdoding-met-middel-x.html |website=NU.nl |language=nl}}</ref> In 2021, a review of all case reports of sodium azide intoxication indicated that 37% of cases were suicide attempts.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Wachełko |first1=Olga |last2=Zawadzki |first2=Marcin |last3=Szpot |first3=Paweł |date=2021-07-30 |title=A novel procedure for stabilization of azide in biological samples and method for its determination (HS-GC-FID/FID) |journal=Scientific Reports |language=en |volume=11 |issue=1 |page=15568 |doi=10.1038/s41598-021-95104-5 |issn=2045-2322 |pmc=8324859 |pmid=34330976}}</ref> An increase in the usage of sodium azide as a suicide drug has been attributed to its availability through [[pyrotechnics]]-focused [[Online shopping|online stores]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=van der Heijden |first1=Lisa T. |last2=van den Hondel |first2=Karen E. |last3=Olyslager |first3=Erik J. H. |last4=de Jong |first4=Lutea A. A. |last5=Reijnders |first5=Udo J. L. |last6=Franssen |first6=Eric J. F. |date=2023-07-13 |title=Internet-Purchased Sodium Azide Used in a Fatal Suicide Attempt: A Case Report and Review of the Literature |journal=Toxics |language=en |volume=11 |issue=7 |pages=608 |doi=10.3390/toxics11070608 |doi-access=free |issn=2305-6304 |pmc=10385699 |pmid=37505573|bibcode=2023Toxic..11..608V }}</ref>

=== Treatment ===
The US CDC reports no specific antidote for azide poisoning.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sodium Azide |url=https://www.cdc.gov/chemical-emergencies/chemical-fact-sheets/sodium-azide.html |website=Chemical Emergencies (US CDC) |language=en-us |date=6 September 2024}}</ref> A 2021 narrative review identifies several cases of survival from ingestion when the patient is treated with antidotes for [[cyanide poisoning]]. From a mechanistic standpoint, [[hydroxocobalamin]] is more likely to be helpful than other antidotes such as sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate. As a result, the recommended treatment is hemodynamic support and hydroxocobalamin. First responders should use personal protection equipment to protect themselves from azide exposure.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Tat |first1=John |last2=Heskett |first2=Karen |last3=Satomi |first3=Shiho |last4=Pilz |first4=Renate B. |last5=Golomb |first5=Beatrice A. |last6=Boss |first6=Gerry R. |title=Sodium azide poisoning: a narrative review |journal=Clinical Toxicology |date=3 August 2021 |volume=59 |issue=8 |pages=683–697 |doi=10.1080/15563650.2021.1906888|pmid=34128439 |pmc=8349855 }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0950.htm International Chemical Safety Card 0950].
*[https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0560.html NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards].
*{{cite web | url-status=live | access-date=2022-10-25 | archive-date=2020-07-31 | year=2006 | last=R. | website=[[The Straight Dope]] | first=Frances | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731095219/https://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2681/is-there-poison-in-auto-air-bags/ | url=https://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2681/is-there-poison-in-auto-air-bags/ | title=Is there poison in auto air bags?}}

{{Sodium compounds}}
{{Azides}}

[[Category:Sodium compounds]]
[[Category:Azides]]
[[Category:Explosive chemicals]]