A simple method to generate B(N3)3

Boron triazide, B(N3)3, is first generated in gas phase by the heterogeneous reaction of BBr3 vapor with freshly synthesized AgN3 powder at room temperature. Identification of B(N3)3 has been achieved by combination of photoelectron spectroscopy with the outer valence Green's function calculation. B(N3)3 is a planar molecule with C3h symmetry and has the first adiabatic ionization energy of 11.39 eV. Vibrational spacings 2200 ± 60 cm−1 and 1250 ± 60 cm−1 on the first and third bands match well to the N3 asymmetric stretch and the B-N stretching vibrations in the neutral B(N3)3 molecule, respectively.