Sodium azide is used as a preservative for laboratory reagents; a bacteriostatic agent in storage solutions. Inhibits gram negative flora so is therefore included in culture media for the selective isolation of Streptococci and Staphylococci. It has been used to avoid bacterial contamination during RPC-5 column chromatography of DNA fragments.
Catalyst for:
- Oxidative decarboxylation
- Michael addition reactions
Reagent for synthesis of
- Blue fluorescent copolymers
- Metal phosphonates
- Arenes via aminations
Involved in regioselective synthesis of prianosin B.
It is also a useful probe reagent, mutagen, and preservative. In hospitals and laboratories, it is a biocide (A biocide is a chemical substance or microorganism which can deter, render harmless, or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by chemical or biological means.)
Sodium Azide is an inhibitor of peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase, galactose oxidase, catalase, haemoprotein enzymes and O2 evolution in photosynthesis. The mechanism of its inhibition and toxicity may be due to metal ion complexation and displacement from enzyme.
The typical effective concentration usually ranges from 0.02% to 0.1% (w/v).
Key Applications: Preservative, Bacteriostatic agent, Chromatography, Probe reagent, Mutagen
Application Areas: Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Analysis
Product Type: Biochemicals
Density: 1.846 g/mL
Melting Point: > 300°C (dec.)
Presentation: White Powder
Format: Crystalline
pKa: 4.8
Solubility: Soluble in water (100 mg/mL - clear, colorless solution); slightly soluble in alcohol and ethanol; insoluble in ether.
Storage & Handling: Room Temperature