Nitrogen triiodide, also called
nitrogen iodide, is a highly explosive compound of
nitrogen and
iodine, NI
3. It explodes with a gunpowder-like snap when touched by even a
feather, releasing a volatile cloud of iodine vapour. This occurs via
the reaction
- 2NI3 (s) -> N2 (g) + 3I2 (s)
It should be handled very carefully, if at all. It synthesis is achieved by the reaction of iodine with
ammonia, NH
3. The aqueous solution is nowhere nearly as explosive as the dry powder.