Energetic Materials Based on 5,5′‐Diamino‐4,4′‐dinitramino‐3,3′‐bi‐1,2,4‐triazole

A simple and straightforward synthesis of 5,5′‐diamino‐4,4′‐dinitramino‐3,3′‐bi‐1,2,4‐triazole by the selective nitration of 4,4′,5,5′‐tetraamino‐3,3′‐bi‐1,2,4‐triazole is presented. The interaction of the amino and nitramino groups improves the energetic properties of this functionalized bitriazole. For a deeper investigation of these properties, various nitrogen‐rich derivatives were synthesized. The new compounds were investigated and characterized by spectroscopy (¹H and ¹³C NMR, IR, Raman), elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, differential thermal analysis (DTA), X‐ray analysis, and impact and friction sensitivities (IS, FS). X‐ray analyses were performed and deliver insight into structural characteristics with which the stability of the compounds can be explained. The standard enthalpies of formation were calculated for all compounds at the CBS‐4M level of theory, revealing highly positive heats of formation. The energetic performance of the new molecules was predicted with the EXPLO5 V6.02 computer. A small‐scale shock reactivity test (SSRT) and a toxicity test gave a first impression of the performance and toxicity of selective compounds.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Properties of Energetic Complex Magnesium 5,5′‐Dinitramino‐3,3′‐bi[1,2,4‐triazolate] Hexahydrate

Alkaline Earth metal (Mg) energetic complex with 5,5′‐dinitramino‐3,3′‐bi[1,2,4‐triazolate] dihydrate (DNABT) has been synthesized and structurally characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single X‐ray diffraction. The thermal decomposition processes of the complex and DNABT were studied by means of the TDA‐TG technologies. Sensitivity tests reveal that the complex is more insensitive to mechanical stimuli than DNABT. Combustion behavior shows that 1 has good color performances.     

Potassium 1,1′‐Dinitramino‐5,5′‐bistetrazolate: A Primary Explosive with Fast Detonation and High Initiation Power

Adequate primary explosives such as lead azide mostly contain toxic ingredients, which have to be replaced. A new candidate that shows high potential, potassium 1,1′‐dinitramino‐5,5′‐bistetrazolate (K₂DNABT), was synthesized by a sophisticated synthetic procedure based on dimethylcarbonate and glyoxal. It was intensively characterized for its chemical (X‐ray diffraction, EA, NMR and vibrational spectroscopy) and physico‐chemical properties (sensitivity towards impact, friction, and electrostatic, DSC). The obtained primary explosive combines good thermal stability with the desired mechanical stability. Owing to its high heat of formation (326 kJ mol^?1) and density (2.11 g cm^?3), impressive values for its detonation velocity (8330 m s^?1) and pressure (311 kbar) were computed. Its superior calculated performance output was successfully confirmed and demonstrated by different convenient energetic test methods.     

Syntheses and Promising Properties of Dense Energetic 5,5′‐Dinitramino‐3,3′‐azo‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole and Its Salts

A planar energetic molecule with high density, 5,5′‐dinitramino‐3,3′‐azo‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole ( 4 ), was obtained by the nitration of 5,5′‐diamino‐3,3′‐azo‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole using 100 % nitric acid. In addition, selected nitrogen‐rich salts were prepared. Of them, the neutral compound 4 and its hydroxylammonium salt, 6 , were further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Physicochemical and energetic properties including density, thermal stability, and sensitivity were investigated. The energetic performance from the calculated heats of formation and experimental densities indicates that many of them have potential applications as energetic materials.     

Metal Salts of 3,3′‐Diamino‐4,4′‐dinitramino‐5,5′‐bi‐1,2,4‐triazole in Pyrotechnic Compositions

The synthesis of alkali and alkaline earth salts of 3,3′‐diamino‐4,4′‐dinitramino‐5,5′‐bi‐1,2,4‐triazole (H₂ANAT) is reported. The fast and convenient three steps reaction toward the target compounds does not require any organic solvents. In addition to an intensive characterization of all synthesized metal salts, the focus was on developing chlorine and nitrate‐free red‐light‐generating pyrotechnical formulations. Strontium 3,3′‐diamino‐4,4′‐dinitramino‐5,5′‐bitriazolate hexahydrate served as colorant and oxidizer in one molecule. The energetic properties of all developed pyrotechnical formulations assure safe handling and manufacturing.     

3,3′‐Bi(1,2,4‐oxadiazoles) Featuring the Fluorodinitromethyl and Trinitromethyl Groups

Here we report on the preparation of two hydrogen atom free 3,3′‐bi(1,2,4‐oxadiazole) derivatives. 5,5′‐Bis(fluorodinitromethyl)‐3,3′‐bi(1,2,4‐oxadiazole) was synthesised by fluorination of diammonium 5,5′‐bis(dinitromethanide)‐3,3′‐bi(1,2,4‐oxadiazole). For our previously reported analogue 5,5′‐bis(trinitromethyl)‐3,3′‐bi(1,2,4‐oxadiazole), a new synthetic route starting from new 3,3′‐bi(1,2,4‐oxadiazolyl)‐5,5′‐diacetic acid was developed. In this course also hitherto unknown 5,5′‐dimethyl‐3,3′‐bi(1,2,4‐oxadiazole) was isolated. The compounds were characterised by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, IR and Raman spectroscopy, elemental analysis as well as mass spectrometry. X‐ray diffraction studies were performed and the crystal structures for the 5,5'‐dimethyl and 5,5'‐(fluorodinitromethyl) derivatives are reported. The energetic 5,5'‐(fluorodinitromethyl) and 5,5'‐(trinitromethyl) compounds do not contain any hydrogen atoms and show remarkable high densities. Furthermore, the thermal stabilities and sensitivities were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and standardised impact and friction tests. The heats of formation were calculated by the atomisation method based on CBS‐4M enthalpies. With these values and the room‐temperature X‐ray densities, several detonation and propulsion parameters, such as the detonation velocity and pressure as well as the specific impulse of mixtures with aluminium, were computed using the EXPLO5 code.     

Synthesis and Characterization of 3,3′‐Bis(Dinitromethyl)‐5,5′‐Azo‐1H‐1,2,4‐Triazole

The synthesis of 3,3′‐bis(dinitromethyl)‐5,5′‐azo‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole ( 5 ) using the readily available starting material 2‐(5‐amino‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)acetic acid ( 1 ) is described. All compounds were characterized by means of NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy. The energetic compound 5 was additionally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and DSC measurements. The sensitivities towards impact, friction and electrical discharge were determined. In addition, detonation parameters (e.g. heat of explosion, detonation velocity) of the target compound were computed using the EXPLO5 code based on the calculated (CBS‐4M) heat of formation and X‐ray density.     

Dense Energetic Nitraminofurazanes

3,3′‐Diamino‐4,4′‐bifurazane ( 1 ), 3,3′‐diaminoazo‐4,4′‐furazane ( 2 ), and 3,3′‐diaminoazoxy‐4,4′‐furazane ( 3 ) were nitrated in 100 % HNO₃ to give corresponding 3,3′‐dinitramino‐4,4′‐bifurazane ( 4 ), 3,3′‐dinitramino‐4,4′‐azofurazane ( 5 ) and 3,3′‐dinitramino‐4,4′‐azoxyfurazane ( 6 ), respectively. The neutral compounds show very imposing explosive performance but possess lower thermal stability and higher sensitivity than hexogen (RDX). More than 40 nitrogen‐rich compounds and metal salts were prepared. Most compounds were characterized by low‐temperature X‐ray diffraction, all of them by infrared and Raman spectroscopy, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Calculated energetic performances using the EXPLO5 code based on calculated (CBS‐4M) heats of formation and X‐ray densities support the high energetic performances of the nitraminofurazanes as energetic materials. The sensitivities towards impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge were also explored. Additionally the general toxicity of the anions against vibrio fischeri, representative for an aquatic microorganism, was determined.     

Preparation,Crystal Structure and Properties of a New Crystal Form of Diammonium 5,5′‐bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate

A new crystal form of diammonium 5,5′‐bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate ( 1 ) was prepared by two novel methods and fully characterized by using IR, NMR spectroscopy, elementary analysis, single crystal X‐ray crystallography and thermal gravity/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). Crystalline 1 was found as monoclinic and space group of P21/c (14). The TG/DTA analysis showed that the decomposition temperature of 1 was 287.8°C with a mass loss of 91.2% in the range of 220–300°C at a heating rate of 5°C/min. The sensitivities test towards impact, friction of 1 indicated that 1 has much lower sensitivities than those of RDX/HMX and is comparable to those of TNT, which suggested that 1 could be used as a good candidate of new insensitive energetic compound.     

Two Energetic Salts based on 5,5′‐Bitetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate: Syntheses,Characterization, and Properties

Two salts based on 1H,1′H‐5,5′‐bitetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate (BTO) anion with pyrazole ( 1 ) and imidazole ( 2 ) cations were synthesized with metathesis reactions. Structural characterization was accomplished for them by using the element analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), NMR and mass spectrum, and X‐ray single crystal diffraction. Thermal analysis for the title salts were determined by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry‐derivative thermogravimetry (TG‐DTG) as well as the calculation of non‐isothermal kinetic parameters. Consequently, both salts shown acceptable thermal stabilities as the decomposition temperatures were over 200 °C. The enthalpies of formation were calculated for these salts using the measured combustion energies with a result of 70.6 kJ · mol^–1 for 1 and –47.8 kJ · mol^–1 for 2 , respectively. Impact and friction sensitivities were also tested and the results indicated that these salts both have low sensitivities (>40 J, 120 N). The title energetic salts possess acceptable performance, they can therefore be applied in the field of energetic materials.     

Maximum Compaction of Ionic Organic Explosives: Bis(hydroxylammonium) 5,5′‐Dinitromethyl‐3,3′‐bis(1,2,4‐oxadiazolate) and its Derivatives

Within this contribution on bis(oxadiazoles) we report on bis‐hydroxylammonium 5,5′‐dinitro‐methyl‐3,3′‐bis(1,2,4‐oxadiazolate), which (to the best of our knowledge) shows the highest density (2.00 g cm^?3 at 92 K, 1.95 g cm^?3 at RT) ever reported for an ionic CHNO explosive. Also the corresponding bis(ammonium) salt shows an outstanding density of 1.95 g cm^?3 (173 K). The reaction of the 3,3′‐bis(1,2,4‐oxadiazolyl)‐5,5′‐bis(2,2′‐dinitro)‐diacetic acid diethyl ester with different nitrogen‐rich bases, such as ammonia, hydrazine, hydroxylamine, and triaminoguanidine causes decarboxylation followed by the formation of the corresponding salts (cation/anion stoichiometry 2:1). The reactions are performed at ambient temperature in H₂O/MeOH mixtures and furnish qualitatively pure products showing characteristics of typical secondary explosives. The obtained compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, IR and Raman spectroscopy, as well as mass spectrometry. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies were performed and the structures of all compounds were determined at low temperatures. The thermal stability was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The sensitivities were explored by using the BAM drophammer and friction test. The heats of formation were calculated by the atomization method based on CBS‐4M enthalpies. With these values and the X‐ray densities, several detonation parameters such as the detonation pressure, velocity, energy, and temperature were computed using the EXPLO5 code.     

1,5‐Di(nitramino)tetrazole: High Sensitivity and Superior Explosive Performance

Highly energetic 1,5‐di(nitramino)tetrazole and its salts were synthesized. The neutral compound is very sensitive and one of the most powerful non‐nuclear explosives to date. Selected nitrogen‐rich and metal salts were prepared. The potassium salt can be used as a sensitizer in place of tetracene. The obtained compounds were characterized by low‐temperature X‐ray diffraction, IR and Raman spectroscopy, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and DSC. Calculated energetic performances using the EXPLO5 code based on calculated (CBS‐4M) heats of formation and X‐ray densities support the high energetic performances of the 1,5‐dinitraminotetrazolates as energetic materials. The sensitivities towards impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge were also explored.     

Energetic Derivatives of 4, 4′,5, 5′‐Tetranitro‐2, 2′‐bisimidazole (TNBI)

4, 4′,5, 5′‐Tetranitro‐2, 2′‐bisimidazole (TNBI) was synthesized by nitration of bisimidazole (BI) and recrystallized from acetone to form a crystalline acetone adduct. Its ammonium salt ( 1 ) was obtained by the reaction with gaseous ammonia. In order to explore new explosives or propellants several energetic nitrogen‐rich 2:1 salts such as the hydroxylammonium ( 3 ), guanidinium ( 4 ), aminoguanidinium ( 5 ), diaminoguanidinium ( 6 ) and triaminoguanidinium 7 4, 4′,5, 5′‐tetranitro‐2, 2′‐bisimidazolate were prepared by facile metathesis reactions. In addition, methylated 1, 1′‐dimethyl‐4, 4′,5, 5′‐tetranitro‐2, 2′‐bisimidazole (Me₂TNBI, 8 ) was synthesized by the reaction of 2 and dimethyl sulfate. Metal salts of TNBI can also be easily synthesized by using the corresponding metal bases. This was proven by the synthesis of pyrotechnically relevant dipotassium 4, 4′,5, 5′‐tetranitro‐2, 2′‐bisimidazolate ( 2 ), which is a brilliant burning component e.g. in near‐infrared flares. All compounds were characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, NMR and vibrational spectroscopy, elemental analysis and DSC. The sensitivities were determined by BAM methods (drophammer and friction tester). The heats of formation were calculated using CBS‐4M electronic enthalpies and the atomization method. With these values and mostly the X‐ray densities different detonation parameters were computed by the EXPLO5 computer code. Due to the great thermal stability and calculated energetic properties, especially guanidinium salt 4 could be served as a HNS replacement.     

Synthesis of 5‐Aminotetrazole‐1 N‐oxide and Its Azo Derivative: A Key Step in the Development of New Energetic Materials

1‐Hydroxy‐5‐aminotetrazole ( 1 ), which is a long‐desired starting material for the synthesis of hundreds of new energetic materials, was synthesized for the first time by the reaction of aqueous hydroxylamine with cyanogen azide. The use of this unique precursor was demonstrated by the preparation of several energetic compounds with equal or higher performance than that of commonly used explosives, such as hexogen (RDX). The prepared compounds, including energetic salts of 1‐hydroxy‐5‐aminotetrazole (hydroxylammonium ( 2 , two polymorphs) and ammonium ( 3 )), azo‐coupled derivatives (potassium ( 5 ), hydroxylammonium ( 6 ), ammonium ( 7 ), and hydrazinium 5,5′‐azo‐bis(1‐N‐oxidotetrazolate ( 8 , two polymorphs)), as well as neutral compounds 5,5′‐azo‐bis(1‐oxidotetrazole) ( 4 ) and 5,5′‐bis(1‐oxidotetrazole)hydrazine ( 9 ), were intensively characterized by low‐temperature X‐ray diffraction, IR, Raman, and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and DSC. The calculated energetic performance, by using the EXPLO5 code, based on the calculated (CBS‐4M) heats of formation and X‐ray densities confirm the high energetic performance of tetrazole‐N‐oxides as energetic materials. Last but not least, their sensitivity towards impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge were explored. 5,5′‐Azo‐bis(1‐N‐oxidotetrazole) deflagrates close to the DDT (deflagration‐to‐detonation transition) faster than all compounds that have been investigated in our research group to date.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Energetic Properties of Alkaline and Alkaline Earth Salts of 5,5′‐bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate

5,5′‐Bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate‐based energetic salts from alkaline (Li⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺) and alkaline earth metal salts (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Ba²⁺) were synthesized in a simple, straightforward manner and were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction of 4 salts (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, and Mg²⁺) is given. The X‐ray structures show that in the title compounds, the metal atoms are bonded to the nitrogen and oxygen in the bistetrazole ring to form the sandwich structure. In addition, thermal stabilities of all title compounds were determined with differential thermal analysis‐thermal gravity analysis. All these new materials exhibit excellent thermal stabilities, high density, and excellent insensitivity to impact (h ₅₀ > 60 cm). Especially, the potassium salt is of interest as potential “green heat‐resistance explosive” with high density and high thermal stability as well as low sensitivity.     

Synthesis and Promising Properties of a New Family of High‐Nitrogen Compounds: Polyazido‐ and Polyamino‐Substituted N,N′‐Azo‐1,2,4‐triazoles

A new family of high‐nitrogen compounds, that is, polyazido‐ and polyamino‐substituted N,N′‐azo‐1,2,4‐triazoles, were synthesized in a safe and convenient manner and fully characterized. The structures of 3,3′,5,5′‐tetra(azido)‐4,4′‐azo‐1,2,4‐triazole ( 15 ) and 3,3′,5,5′‐tetra(amino)‐4,4′‐azo‐1,2,4‐triazole ( 23 ) were also confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed to determine their thermal stability. Their heats of formation and density, which were calculated by using Gaussian 03, were used to determine the detonation performances of the related compounds (EXPLO 5.05). The heats of formation of the polyazido compounds were also derived by using an additive method. Compound 15 has the highest heat of formation (6933 kJ kg^?1) reported so far for energetic compounds and a detonation performance that is comparable to that of octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine (HMX), while compound 23 has a decomposition temperature of up to 290 °C.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Thermal Behavior of a Novel Insensitive Energetic Cocrystal Composed of 3,3′‐Bis(1,2,4‐oxadiazole)‐5,5′‐dione and 4‐Amino‐1,2,4‐triazole

A novel insensitive energetic cocrystal consisting of 3,3′‐bis(1,2,4‐oxadiazole)‐5,5′‐dione and 4‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole in a 1:2 molar ratio was prepared and characterized. The structure of this cocrystal was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystal structure of the cocrystal is a monoclinic system with P1 space group. Properties of the cocrystal studied included thermal decomposition and detonation performance. This cocrystal has a crystal density of 1.689 g · cm^–3 at 173 K and good detonation performance (D = 6940 m · s^–1, P = 20.9 GPa). Moreover, measured impact and friction sensitivities (IS > 40 J, FS > 360 N) show that it can be classified as an insensitive energetic material. Its thermodynamic properties indicate that it has moderate thermal stability with a sharp exothermic peak (244 °C, 5 K · min^–1) and a high critical temperature of thermal explosion (523 K). In view of the observations above, it may serve as a promising alternative to known explosives such as TNT.     

Magnesium Azotetrazole‐1,1′‐dioxide: Synthesis and Promising Properties of Green Insensitive Energetic Materials

Magnesium azotetrazole‐1,1′‐dioxide ( 1 ) was first prepared and intensively characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and DSC measurements. The heat of formation was calculated using the atomization energy method based on quantum chemistry and the heat of detonation was also predicted. The NBO analysis was performed for inspecting charge distributions. The sensitivities towards impact and friction were tested using the BAM standard. The high detonation performance (5289 kJ · kg^–1), good thermal stabilities (245.5 °C) and excellent insensitivity (39.2 J and >360 N) as well as clean decomposition products supports it of great interest as a promising candidate of green insensitive energetic materials.     

Energetic 2,2‐Dimethyltriazanium Salts: A New Family of Nitrogen‐Rich Hydrazine Derivatives

Amination of 1,1‐dimethylhydrazine with NH₂Cl or hydroxylamine‐O‐sulfonic acid yields 2,2‐dimethyltriazanium (DMTZ) chloride ( 3 ) and sulphate ( 4 ), respectively. The DMTZ cation was paired with the nitrogen‐rich anions 5‐aminotetrazolate ( 5 ), 5‐nitrotetrazolate ( 6 ), 5,5′‐azobistetrazolate ( 7 ), and azide ( 8 ), yielding a new family of energetic salts. The synthesis was carried out by metathesis reactions of salts 3 or 4 and a suitable silver or barium salt. To minimize the risks involved when using heavy metal salts, we used electrodialysis for the synthesis of azide 8 , which avoids the use of highly sensitive species. The DMTZ derivatives were characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X‐ray diffraction. Thermal stabilities were measured using DSC analysis and their sensitivities towards classical stimuli were determined using standard tests. Lastly, the relationship between hydrogen bonding in the solid state and sensitivity is discussed.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Bis(triaminoguanidinium) 5,5′‐Dinitrimino‐3,3′‐azo‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazolate – A Novel Insensitive Energetic Material

The synthesis of 5,5′‐diamino‐3,3′‐azo‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole ( 3 ) by reaction of 5‐acetylamino‐3‐amino‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole ( 2 ) with potassium permanganate is described. The application of the very straightforward and efficient acetyl protection of 3,5‐diamino‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole allows selective reactions of the remaining free amino group to form the azo‐functionality. Compound 3 is used as starting material for the synthesis of 5,5′‐dinitrimino‐3,3′‐azo‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole ( 4 ), which subsequently reacted with organic bases (ammonia, hydrazine, guanidine, aminoguanidine, triaminoguanidine) to form the corresponding nitrogen‐rich triazolate salts ( 5 – 9 ). All substances were fully characterized by IR and Raman as well as multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and differential scanning calorimetry. Selected compounds were additionally characterized by low temperature single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements. The heats of formation of 4 – 9 were calculated by the CBS‐4M method to be 647.7 ( 4 ), 401.2 ( 5 ), 700.4 ( 6 ), 398.4 ( 7 ), 676.5 ( 8 ), and 1089.2 ( 9 ) kJ · mol^–1. With these values as well as the experimentally determined densities several detonation parameters were calculated using both computer codes EXPLO5.03 and EXPLO5.04. In addition, the sensitivities of 5 – 9 were determined by the BAM drophammer and friction tester as well as a small scale electrical discharge device.