Abstract
WHEN moist nitrogen iodide is suspended in air over phosphorus pentoxide in a glass vessel and the vessel evacuated by a mercury vapour pump, the crystals detonate as soon as they become dry. On the other hand, the substance can be completely decomposed into iodine and permanent gases without detonation occurring if the pressure of the permanent gases be not allowed to fall below 2 × 103 cm. At room temperature the decomposition can be com-pleted in 12–24 hours. On carrying out the decomposition at 20° C. there is little reaction until the water is removed, after which the pressure rises linearly for a time. As iodine begins to condense out on the walls of the glass vessel, the rate of evolution of gas decreases and ultimately the pressure reaches a constant value, although some nitrogen iodide is still undecomposed. After this steady state is reached, on subjecting the residue to a hard vacuum it detonates. On detonation, the amount of permanent gas produced is only 30–50 per cent of that liberated during the thermal decomposition.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
GARNER, W., LATCHEM, W. Detonation of Nitrogen Iodide, NI3NH3. Nature 135, 832 (1935). https://doi.org/10.1038/135832a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/135832a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.