Barium azide, with the chemical formula Ba(N3)2, is a chemical compound composed of barium (Ba) cations and azide (N3-) anions. It is a white or colorless crystalline solid that is highly sensitive and explosive. Barium azide is a highly reactive compound and should be handled with extreme care due to its potential hazards.

Some key properties and characteristics of barium azide include:

1. Explosive Nature: Barium azide is highly sensitive and can be detonated by heat, shock, or friction. Due to its explosive properties, it is considered highly dangerous and should never be handled or stored without appropriate safety precautions and training.
2. Decomposition: When subjected to heat or other stimuli, barium azide decomposes to release nitrogen gas (N2), barium metal, and other nitrogen-containing compounds. The release of nitrogen gas contributes to its explosive nature.
3. Limited Applications: Due to its extreme sensitivity and hazards, barium azide has limited practical applications. It is primarily used for research purposes or in specialized chemical studies.

It is important to emphasize that barium azide is a hazardous substance and should only be handled by trained professionals with expertise in dealing with highly reactive and explosive compounds. Special safety protocols and proper equipment, such as blast shields and protective clothing, should be used when working with barium azide.

Given its dangerous properties, the use of barium azide in industrial or practical applications is extremely limited, and it is mainly used in research or as a chemical curiosity in controlled laboratory settings.