MUSCAT CHEMICAL TAG::
Sodium azide is used as a chemical preservative in hospitals and laboratories. Accidents have occurred in these settings. In one case, sodium azide was poured into a drain, where it exploded and the toxic gas was inhaled (breathed in). Sodium azide is used in agriculture (farming) for pest control.
The sodium azide is added at such a rate that a gentle reflux of vapors in the powder funnel is maintained. After somewhat more than the theoretical amount of azide has been added, the rate of addition may be much more rapid.
The distillation should be carried out carefully at first until all the chloroform has distilled. A distilling adapter dipping just below the surface of the acid solution should be used in order to minimize loss of cyclobutylamine. Care must be taken that the basic solution in the distillation flask which still contains sodium azide does not come in contact with the hydrochloric acid solution in the receiver.
A water aspirator is sufficient.
Sodium azide is best known as the chemical found in automobile airbags. An electrical charge triggered by automobile impact causes sodium azide to explode and convert to nitrogen gas inside the airbag. Sodium azide is used as a chemical preservative in hospitals and laboratories.
lethal dosage in humans is reported to be 10 to 13 mg/kg.
