Azide

The azide anion

In chemistry, azide (/ˈeɪzaɪd/, AY-zyd) is a linear, polyatomic anion with the formula N−3 and structure ⁻N=N⁺=N⁻. It is the conjugate base of hydrazoic acid HN₃. Organic azides are organic compounds with the formula RN₃, containing the azide functional group.^[1] The dominant application of azides is as a propellant in air bags.^[1]

^ ^a ^b S. Bräse; C. Gil; K. Knepper; V. Zimmermann (2005). "Organic Azides: An Exploding Diversity of a Unique Class of Compounds". Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 44 (33): 5188–5240. doi:10.1002/anie.200400657. PMID 16100733.