On the Way to “Solid Nitrogen” at Normal Temperature and Pressure? Binary Azides of Heavier Group 15 and 16 Elements

Abstract

Caution explosive! Homoleptic azides are of great interest as polynitrogen compounds particularly because of their high energy content. A recent breakthrough is the first synthesis and characterization of the highly sensitive neutral tellurium azide [Te(N3)4] and of ionic (N5)+[P(N3)6]− containing 23 nitrogen atoms.

Isomer Stability of N6C6H6 Cages

“…Each of these molecule sizes has fullerene-like cages consisting solely of pentagons and hexagons, but a large stability advantage was found for molecules with fewer pentagons, more triangles, and an overall structure more cylindrical than spheroidal. Studies 22,23 of intermediate-sized molecules N 14 , N 16 , and N 18 also showed that the cage isomer with the most pentagons was not the most stable cage, even when compared to isomer(s) containing triangles (which have 60° angles that should have significant angle strain). For each of these molecule sizes, spheroidally-shaped molecules proved to be less stable than elongated, cylindrical ones.…”

Stabilization of Cylindrical N12 and N18 by Phosphorus Substitution

“…Experimental successes have sparked theoretical studies 14,15 on other potential all-nitrogen molecules. More recent developments include the experimental synthesis of high energy molecules consisting predominantly of nitrogen, including azides 16,17 of various heteroatoms and polyazido isomers 18 of compounds such as 1,3,5-triazine. Future developments in experiment and theory will further broaden the horizons of high energy nitrogen research.…”

Stability of High-Energy N14H42+ Ion and the Effects of Carbon and Halogen Substitution

“…Studies 22 . 23 of intermediate-sized molecules N 14 , N 16 , and N 18 also showed that the cage isomer with the most pentagons was not the most stable cage, even when compared to isomer(s) containing triangles (which have 60° angles that should have significant angle strain). For each of these molecule sizes, spheroidally-shaped molecules proved to be less stable than elongated, cylindrical ones.…”