It decomposes rapidly at 105°C and explodes when heated.
Benzenesulfonylazide is prepared by the reaction of Benzenesulfonyl Chloride with excess Sodium Azide in a water-ethanol mixture. The formation of ethyl benzenesulfonate as a byproduct may be avoided by addition of neat benzenesulfonyl chloride to an ethanolic solution of sodium azide. A preparation of benzenesulfonyl azide by oxidation of phenylsulfonylhydrazine in the presence of clay-supported iron(III) nitrate (clayfen) has been reported.
Crude benzenesulfonyl azide when heated detonates violently. Use in a fume hood.
recrystallization from ethanol.
