Nitrogen triiodide

Nitrogen triiodide is an extremely unstable nitrogen–iodine compound, usually encountered as its ammonia adduct. When dry, the adduct can detonate after slight disturbance.

Nitrogen triiodide ammonia adduct: A dark, highly sensitive solid formed when nitrogen triiodide is associated with ammonia. This is the form commonly encountered; drying makes it exceptionally sensitive to disturbance.
Nitrogen: The chemical element with atomic number 7, occurring as a major component of Earth's atmosphere. Nitrogen is the central element in nitrogen triiodide's molecular formula.
Chemical demonstration: A performed experiment that makes a chemical phenomenon visible to an audience. The compound's extreme sensitivity has made it a dramatic, hazardous demonstration material.
Nitrogen trichloride: A volatile, hazardous compound containing one nitrogen atom and three chlorine atoms. It is a related nitrogen trihalide, but chlorine replaces iodine.
Nitrogen–halogen bond: A covalent bond between nitrogen and a halogen atom. Weak nitrogen–iodine bonds help explain why the compound decomposes readily.
Iodine: The chemical element with atomic number 53, a halogen that commonly forms diatomic molecules. Three iodine atoms are bonded to nitrogen in the compound.
Explosive material: A substance capable of rapid energy release accompanied by expanding gases or pressure. Dry nitrogen triiodide ammonia adduct behaves as an extremely sensitive explosive.
Nitrogen tribromide: An unstable compound composed of nitrogen and bromine, known chiefly in ammonia-associated forms. It shares the nitrogen trihalide pattern but contains bromine instead of iodine.
Exothermic reaction: A chemical reaction that releases energy to its surroundings. The decomposition releases energy rapidly, sustaining the detonation.
Ammonia: A colorless compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH₃. Ammonia forms the adduct in which nitrogen triiodide is commonly encountered.

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Ammonium nitriteCompared with: Both compounds illustrate instability, but their structures and decomposition pathways differ.