Stability of NaN3 compared to NH3
NaN3, or sodium azide, is more stable than NH3, or ammonia, due to several key factors:

Chemical Structure
- NaN3 is a salt compound composed of sodium and azide ions, while NH3 is a simple molecule consisting of nitrogen and hydrogen atoms.
- The ionic nature of NaN3 results in stronger bonds between sodium and azide ions, making it more stable compared to the covalent bonds in NH3.

Reactivity
- NaN3 is less reactive compared to NH3 due to its stable ionic structure.
- NH3 is a highly reactive molecule, readily participating in various chemical reactions.

Toxicity
- NaN3 is relatively less toxic compared to NH3, which can be harmful in high concentrations.
- The stability of NaN3 contributes to its lower toxicity levels.

Applications
- NaN3 is commonly used in airbags as a propellant due to its stability and ability to decompose rapidly to produce nitrogen gas.
- NH3 is widely used in fertilizers and household cleaning products due to its reactivity as a source of nitrogen.
In conclusion, the stability of NaN3 compared to NH3 can be attributed to its ionic nature, lower reactivity, lower toxicity, and specific applications.