Five molecules (I, 11, IV, V, VI) structurally capable of existing both as tetrazoles and as azides have been examined using spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques. In the solid state compounds I, 11, IV and V are tetrazoles. In solution I and I1 retain their identity as tetrazoles but 1V and V now appear as azides probably together with corresponding tetrazoles. The results indicate that tetrazole ring destabilization through ...