1,2,4,5-Tetrakis(diazidomethyl)benzene

The molecule of the title compound, C(10)H(6)N(24), lies on a crystallographic inversion centre located in the middle of the benzene ring. Steric overcrowding by the bulky N(3) groups is avoided by the tendency of four azide entities to be arranged parallel to the benzene ring and the other four azide groups to be arranged alternately above and below the benzene plane in a skeletal C(i) symmetry. The compound is of interest for high-energy research and as a precursor for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes, nanospheres or high-nitrogen carbon nitrides with great potential for biological and technological applications.