THE DECOMPOSITION OF CRYSTALLINE SODIUM AZIDE BY X RAYS

Abstract

Sodium azide is decomposed by X rays. The yields of nitrogen gas, ammonia, and hydroxyl ion obtained when irradiated crystals are dissolved in water are proportional to total dose and independent of dose rate, for small amounts of decomposition. The yields per unit dose at 102° are 1.3 times those at 51°. The nature of the decomposition products in the crystals is uncertain, but the absorption spectrum seems to rule out the formation of sodium. A mechanism for the decomposition is suggested.