Theoretical studies of 1,2,4,5-tetrazine-based energetic nitrogen-rich compounds

Density functional theory calculations were performed to find the relationships between the structures and performance of a series of 1,2,4,5-tetrazine-based energetic derivatives. The isodesmic reaction method was employed to estimate the heats of formation (HOFs). The result shows that the azo or azoxy group is one of the most energetic functional groups known and its substitution can drastically increase HOFs of a molecule. The detonation properties were also evaluated by the Kamlet–Jacobs equations based on the theoretical densities and HOFs. Results show that NO₂ group is an effective substituent for enhancing the detonation performance. There exist better correlations between OB and detonation velocities and OB and detonation pressures. The energy gaps between the HOMO and LUMO of the studied compounds are also investigated, and from the data we estimated the relative thermal stability ordering of the title compounds.     

Computational studies on tetrazole derivatives as potential high energy materials

The tetrazole is an important functionality of the most of energetic materials due to 80% nitrogen content, stability, and high enthalpy of formation. The present structure–property relationship study focuses on the optimized geometries of tetrazole derivatives obtained from density functional theory (DFT) calculations at B3LYP/6-31G* levels. The heat of formation (HOF) of tetrazole derivatives have been calculated by designing the appropriate isodesmic reactions. The increase in nitro groups on azole rings shows the remarkable increase in HOF. Density has been predicted by using CVFF force field. Increase in the nitro group increases the density. Detonation properties of the designed compounds were evaluated by using the Kamlet–Jacobs equation based on predicted densities and HOFs. Designed tetrazole derivatives show detonation velocity (D) over 8 km/s and detonation pressure (P) of about 32 GPa. Thermal stability was evaluated via bond dissociation energies (BDE) of the weakest C–NO₂ bond at B3LYP/6-31G* level. Charge on the nitro group has been used to assess the sensitivity correlation. Overall, the study implies that designed compounds of this series are found to be stable and expected to be the novel candidates of high energy materials (HEMs).     

Theoretic design of 1,2,3,4-tetrazine-1,3-dioxide-based high-energy density compounds with oxygen balance close to zero

Density functional theory method was used to study the heats of formation (HOFs), electronic structure, energetic properties, and thermal stability for a series of 1,2,3,4-tetrazine-1,3-dioxide derivatives with different substituents and bridge groups. It is found that the groups –NO₂, –C(NO₂)₃, and –N=N– play a very important role in increasing the HOFs of the derivatives. The effects of the substituents on the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels and HOMO–LUMO gaps are coupled to those of different substituents and bridges. The calculated detonation velocities and pressures indicate that the group –NO₂, –NF₂, –ONO₂, –C(NO₂)₃, or –NH– is an effective structural unit for enhancing the detonation performance for the derivatives. An analysis of the bond dissociation energies for several relatively weak bonds indicates that incorporating the groups –NO₂, –NF₂, –ONO₂, –C(NO₂)₃, and –N=N– into parent ring decreases their thermal stability. Considering the detonation performance and thermal stability, 18 compounds may be considered as the target compounds holding the greatest potential for synthesis and use as high-energy density compounds. Among them, the oxygen balances of four compounds are equal to zero. These results provide basic information for the molecular design of the novel high-energy compounds.     

Computational study on energetic properties of nitro derivatives of furan substituted azoles

Density functional theory has been used to investigate geometries, heats of formation (HOFs), C-NO₂ bond dissociation energies (BDEs), and relative energetic properties of nitro derivatives of azole substituted furan. HOFs for a series of molecules were calculated by using density functional theory (DFT) and Møller–Plesset (MP2) methods. The density is predicted using crystal packing calculations; all the designed compounds show density above 1.71 g/cm³. The calculated detonation velocities and detonation pressures indicate that the nitro group is very helpful for enhancing the detonation performance for the designed compounds. Thermal stabilities have been evaluated from the bond dissociation energies. Charge on the nitro group was used to assess the impact sensitivity in this study. According to the results of the calculations, tri- and tetra-nitro substituted derivatives reveal high performance with better thermal stability.     

Theoretical studies on the structures, heats of formation, energetic properties and pyrolysis mechanisms of nitrogen-rich difurazano[3,4-b:3′,4′-e]piperazine derivatives and their analogues

The molecular structure, heats of formation, energetic properties, strain energy and thermal stability for a series of substituted difurazano[3,4-b:3′,4′-e]piperazines and their analogues were studied using density functional theory. The results show that it is a useful way to increase the heat of formation values of energetic compounds by incorporating a five- or six-membered aromatic heterocycle to construct a fused ring system. The calculated detonation properties reveal that introducing one heterocycle to construct a fused ring structure greatly enhances their detonation properties. The substitution of the –NF₂, –NO₂ or –NHNO₂ group is very useful for enhancing the detonation performance for the substituted derivatives. According to molecular structure and natural bond orbital analysis, the introduction of the –NO₂, –NF₂ or –NHNO₂ group decreases the stability of the substituted derivative. There is a weak N–NO₂ bond conjugation in the NO₂-substituted derivatives. An analysis of the bond dissociation energies for several relatively weak bonds suggests that all the unsubstituted derivatives have good thermal stability, but the substitution of –NO₂ or –NF₂ remarkably decreases their stability. Considering the detonation performance and thermal stability, eight compounds may be considered as the potential candidates of high-energy density materials with less sensitivity.     

Theoretical calculation of nitro-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-1H-azoles energetic compounds

In order to study the properties of new energetic compounds formed by introducing nitroazoles into 2,4,6-trinitrobezene, the density, heat of formation and detonation properties of 36 nitro-1-(2,4,6-trinitrobenzene)-1H-azoles energetic compounds are studied by density functional theory, and their stability and melting point are predicted. The results show that most of target compounds have good detonation properties and stability. And it is found that nitro-1-(2,4,6-Trinitrophenyl)-1H-pyrrole compounds and nitro-1-(2,4,6-trinitrop-enyl)-1H-Imidazole compounds have good thermal stability, and their weakest bond is C NO₂ bond, the bond dissociation energy of the weakest bond is 222–238 kJ mol⁻¹ and close to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (235 kJ mol⁻¹). The weakest bond of the other compounds may be the C NO₂ bond or the N N bond, and the strength of the N N bond is related to the nitro group on azole ring.     

Computational investigation of the heat of formation, detonation properties of furazan-based energetic materials

The heats of formation (HOFs) for a series of furazan-based energetic materials were calculated by density functional theory. The isodesmic reaction method was employed to estimate the HOFs. The result shows that the introductions of azo and azoxy groups can increase the HOF, but the introduction of azo group can increase the more HOF, when compared with azoxy group. The detonation velocities and detonation pressures of the furazan-based energetic materials are further evaluated at B3LYP/6-31G* level. Dioxoazotetrafurazan and azoxytetrafurazan may be regarded as the potential candidates of high-energy density materials because of good detonation performance. In addition, there are good linear correlations between OB and detonation velocities, and OB and detonation pressures. The energy gaps between the HOMO and LUMO of the studied compounds are also investigated. These results provide basic information for the molecular design of novel high-energy density materials.     

Density function theory study on energetic nitro-triaziridine derivatives

The series of nitro-triaziridines had been studied as high-energy density compounds at B3LYP/6-311G** and MP2/6-311G** levels by means of density functional theory. The heats of formation (HOFs), bond dissociation energies, and detonation performance had been calculated in detail. It was found that all nitro-triaziridines have high position HOFs, and electron-withdrawing of nitro, the steric hindrance, and abundant N–N bond had positive effect with increasing values of HOFs. The thermodynamic stability is estimated by bond dissociation energy and available free space per molecule in unit cell. The detonation performance had been estimated via Kamlet–Jacobs equation and relative specific, However, two different consequences were obtained for detonation performance. Hence, for nitro-triaziridines derivatives, we assumed that a large number of extra oxygen was produced in combustion reaction or explosive reaction, which was negative for the energy released. Therefore, the oxygen balance must be considered for designing high-energy compounds. We also assumed that the Kamlet–Jacobs equation may not be applicable for the compounds, which was constituted of only oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen elements.     

Computational study of energetic nitrogen‐rich derivatives of 1,1′‐ and 5,5′‐bridged ditetrazoles

Density functional theory method was used to study the heats of formation (HOFs), electronic structure, energetic properties, and thermal stability for a series of bridged ditetrazole derivatives with different linkages and substituent groups. The results show that the ? N₃ group and azo bridge (? N?N? ) play a very important role in increasing the HOF values of the ditetrazole derivatives. The effects of the substituents on the HOMO–LUMO gap are combined with those of the bridge groups. The calculated detonation velocities and detonation pressures indicate that the ? NO₂, ? NF₂, ? N?N? , or ? N(O)?N? group is an effective structural unit for enhancing the detonation performance for the derivatives. An analysis of the bond dissociation energies for several relatively weak bonds suggests that the N? N bond in the ring or outside the ring is the weakest one and the N? N cleavage is possible to happen in thermal decomposition. Overall, the ? CH₂? CH₂? or ? NH? NH? group is an effective bridge for enhancing the thermal stability of the bridged ditetrazoles. Because of their desirable detonation performance and thermal stability, five compounds may be considered as the potential candidates of high‐energy density materials (HEDMs). These results provide basic information for the molecular design of novel HEDMs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011     

Nitrification Progress of Nitrogen-Rich Heterocyclic Energetic Compounds: A Review

As a momentous energetic group, a nitro group widely exists in high-energy-density materials (HEDMs), such as trinitrotoluene (TNT), 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB), cyclo-1,3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine (RDX), etc. The nitro group has a significant effect on improving the oxygen balance and detonation performances of energetic materials (EMs). Moreover, the nitro group is a strong electron-withdrawing group, and it can increase the acidity of the acidic hydrogen-containing nitrogen-rich energetic compounds to facilitate the construction of energetic ionic salts. Thus, it is possible to design nitro-nitrogen-rich energetic compounds with adjustable properties. In this paper, the nitration methods of azoles, including imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, tetrazole, and oxadiazole, as well as azines, including pyrazine, pyridazine, triazine, and tetrazine, have been concluded. Furthermore, the prospect of the future development of nitrogen-rich heterocyclic energetic compounds has been stated, so as to provide references for researchers who are engaged in the synthesis of EMs.     

Theoretical Studies on Energetic Property and Stability of Pyrazine and Pyridine Derivatives

Density functional calculations at the B3LYP level with 6‐311G** and aug‐cc‐pVDZ basis sets were performed to predict the heats of formation (HOFs) for two pyrazine derivatives and eight pyridine derivatives. In the isodesmic reactions designed for the computation of heats of formation (HOFs), pyrazine and pyridine were chosen as reference compounds. The N‐oxidations for the ring nitrogen of pyrazine and pyridine derivatives decrease the HOF values when N‐oxide oxygen is neighboring with amino groups, but increase when it neighbors with nitro groups. Thermal stability was evaluated via bond dissociation energies (BDE) at the UB3LYP/6‐311G** level. As a whole, the homolysis of C–NO₂ bonds is the main step for bond dissociation of the title compounds. The BDE values of title compounds are influenced by intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The hydrogen bond effects associated with the length of the H···O bonds were analyzed by the electron density at the critical points and natural bond orbital.     

The effect of nitro groups on the structures and energetic properties of the derivatives composed of TATB and cubane

Based on the successful experience of synthesis of the TATB (1, 3, 5-triamino-2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene) and cubane, we propose to consider their nitro derivatives combined by C–N bond as a series of high energy density compounds. First principles molecular orbital calculations have been used to investigate the structural and energetic properties, including the heat of formation, density, detonation performance, and impact sensitivity. Natural bond orbital analysis was carried out to investigate the influence of substituents on the electron delocalization. The results implied that the inclusion of nitro group will decrease the stability of cage skeleton and weaken the C–NO₂ bond. The calculated heats of formation, density, detonation velocity, and detonation pressure are positive and large. The results revealed that two of five derivatives have the close performance and sensitivity to those of CL-20, indicating that they may be explored as new potential high energy materials. Leave them with the notable value to dig out.     

Theoretical studies on four-membered ring compounds with NF2, ONO2, N3, and NO2 groups

Density functional theory (DFT) method has been employed to study the geometric and electronic structures of a series of four-membered ring compounds at the B3LYP/6-311G** and the B3P86/6-311G** levels. In the isodesmic reactions designed for the computation of heats of formation (HOFs), 3,3-dimethyl-oxetane, azetidine, and cyclobutane were chosen as reference compounds. The HOFs for N(3) substituted derivations are larger than those of oxetane compounds with --ONO2 and/or --NF2 substituent groups. The HOFs for oxetane with --ONO2 and/or --NF2 substituent groups are negative, while the HOFs for N3 substituted derivations are positive. For azetidine compounds, the substituent groups within the azetidine ring affect the HOFs, which increase as the difluoroamino group being replaced by the nitro group. The magnitudes of intramolecular group interactions were predicted through the disproportionation energies. The strain energy (SE) for the title compounds has been calculated using homodesmotic reactions. For azetidine compounds, the NF2 group connecting N atom in the ring decrease the SE of title compounds. Thermal stability were evaluated via bond dissociation energies (BDE) at the UB3LYP/6-311G** level. For the oxetane compounds, the O--NO2 bond is easier to break than that of the ring C--C bond. For the azetidine and cyclobutane compounds, the homolyses of C--NX2 and/or N--NX2 (X = O, F) bonds are primary step for bond dissociation. Detonation properties of the title compounds were evaluated by using the Kamlet-Jacobs equation based on the calculated densities and HOFs. It is found that 1,1-dinitro-3,3-bis(difluoroamino)-cyclobutane, with predicted density of ca. 1.9 g/cm(3), detonation velocity (D) over 9 km/s, and detonation pressure (P) of 41 GPa that are lager than those of TNAZ, is expected to be a novel candidate of high energy density materials (HEDMs). The detonation data of nitro-BDFAA and TNCB are also close to the requirements for HEDMs.     

New Energetic Polynitrotetrazoles

This combined experimental, theoretical and comparative study details the syntheses and chemical characterisation of two new energetic polynitromethyl tetrazole derivatives, namely, 2‐(2‐nitro‐2‐azapropyl)‐5‐(trinitromethyl)‐2 H‐tetrazole and its fluorine‐containing analogue 2‐(2‐nitro‐2‐azapropyl)‐5‐(fluorodinitromethyl)‐2 H‐tetrazole. Their crystal structures and energetic behaviour are compared to those of their starting materials, the ammonium salts of the corresponding 5‐(polynitromethyl)‐2 H‐tetrazoles. Additionally, the crystal structures of two further related polynitrotetrazoles are presented.     

Triazole‐Substituted Nitroarene Derivatives: Synthesis,Characterization, and Energetic Studies

A series of dense and energetic polynitroaryl‐1,2,4‐triazoles were synthesized through the nitration of aryl‐1,2,4‐triazoles. The Cu‐catalyzed/base‐mediated coupling reactions of haloarenes with 1,2,4‐triazoles delivered N‐aryl‐1,2,4‐triazoles. These new nitro‐rich‐aryltriazoles were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. The solid‐state structures of most of these compounds were established by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Their thermal properties were determined by differential scanning calorimetry–thermogravimetric analysis. Their heats of formation (HOFs) and crystal densities were also calculated. The densities of the synthesized compounds ranged from 1.40 to 1.85 g cm^?3. Some of these newly synthesized compounds exhibited high positive HOFs, good thermal stabilities, high densities, and reasonable detonation velocities and pressures.     

Pyrazole–Tetrazole Hybrid with Trinitromethyl,Fluorodinitromethyl, or (Difluoroamino)dinitromethyl Groups: High‐Performance Energetic Materials

High‐nitrogen‐content compounds have attracted great scientific interest and technological importance because of their unique energy content, and they find diverse applications in many fields of science and technology. Understanding of structure–property relationship trends and how to modify them is of paramount importance for their further improvement. Herein, the installation of oxygen‐rich modules, C(NO₂)₃, C(NO₂)₂F, or C(NO₂)₂NF₂, into an endothermic framework, that is, the combination of a nitropyrazole unit and tetrazole ring, is used as a way to design novel energetic compounds. Density, oxygen balance, and enthalpy of formation are enhanced by the presence of these oxygen‐containing units. The structures of all compounds were confirmed by XRD. For crystal packing analysis, it is proposed to use new criterion, Δ_OED, that can serve as a measure of the tightness of molecular packing upon crystal formation. Overall, the materials show promising detonation and propulsion parameters.     

Theoretical investigation of a high density cage compound 1,3,5,7,9,11-hexanitrotetradecahydro-1H-1,3,4,5,7,7b,9,11,12a,12b1,12b2,13-dodecaaza-4,8,12-(epimethanetriyl)cyclohepta[l]cyclopenta[def] phenanthrene

The B3LYP/6-31G** method was used to investigate IR and Raman spectra, heat of formation, and thermodynamic properties of a new designed polynitro cage compound 1,3,5,7,9,11-hexanitrotetradecahydro-1H-1,3,4,5,7,7b,9,11,12a,12b¹,12b²,13-dodecaaza-4,8,12-(epimethanetriyl)cyclohepta[l]cyclopenta[def]phenanthrene. The detonation and pressure were evaluated using the Kamlet–Jacobs equations based on the theoretical density and HOFs. The bond dissociation energies and bond orders for the weakest bonds were analyzed to investigate the thermal stability of the title compound. The results show that N₈–NO₂ bond is predicted to be the trigger bond during pyrolysis. There exists an essentially linear relationship between the WBIs of N–NO₂ bonds and the charges – $ Q_{{{\text{NO}}_{ 2} }} $ on the nitro groups. The crystal structure obtained by molecular mechanics belongs to the P2₁ space group, with lattice parameters Z = 2, a = 11.4658 Å, b = 15.2442 Å, c = 10.2451 Å, ρ = 2.07 g cm^?3. The designed compound has high thermal stability and good detonation properties and is a promising high-energy density compound.     

DFT Studies on Detonation Properties,Pyrolysis Mechanism,and Stability of the Nitro and Hydroxyl Derivatives of Benzene

Ninety‐one nitro and hydroxyl derivatives of benzene were studied at the B3LYP/6‐31G?? level of density functional theory. Detonation properties were calculated using the Kamlet‐Jacobs equation. Three candidates (pentanitrophenol, pentanitrobenzene, and hexanitrobenzene) were recommended as potential high energy density compounds for their perfect detonation performances and reasonable stability. The pyrolysis mechanism was studied by analyzing the bond dissociation energy (BDE) and the activation energy (E_a) of hydrogen transfer (H–T) reaction for those with adjacent nitro and hydroxyl groups. The results show that E_a is much lower than BDEs of all bonds, so when there are adjacent nitro and hydroxyl groups in a molecule, the stability of the compound will decrease and the pyrolysis will be initiated by the H–T process. Otherwise, the pyrolysis will start from the breaking of the weakest C–NO₂ bond, and only under such condition, the Mulliken population or BDE of the C–NO₂ bond can be used to assess the relative stability of the compound.     

Synthesis,Characterisation and Crystal Structures of Two Bi‐oxadiazole Derivatives Featuring the Trifluoromethyl Group

The synthesis, characterisation, and crystal structure determination of the closely related compounds 3,3′‐bi‐(5‐trifluoromethyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole) and 5,5′‐bi‐(2‐ trifluoromethyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole) are reported. These two compounds are known for their bioactivity; however, in this study they serve as model compounds to evaluate the suitability of the heterocyclic oxadiazole ring system for energetic materials when the fluorine atoms in the exocyclic CF₃ groups are substituted successively by nitro groups. Quantum chemical calculations for the bi‐1,3,4‐ oxadiazole derivatives with difluoronitromethyl, fluorodinitromethyl, and trinitromethyl groups have been carried out and predict promising energetic performances for both explosive and propulsive applications.     

Theoretical investigation on the structures,densities, and detonation properties of polynitrotetraazaoctahydroanthracenes

The polynitrotetraazaoctahydroanthracenes were optimized to obtain their molecular geometries and electronic structures at density functional theory–B3LYP/6‐31+G(d) level. Detonation velocities (D) and detonation pressures (P) were estimated for this nitramine compounds using Kamlet‐Jacobs equations, based on the theoretical densities (ρ) and heats of formation. It is found that there are good linear relationships between volume, density, detonation velocity, detonation pressure and the number of nitro group. Thermal stability of the compounds was investigated by calculating the bond dissociation energies and energy gap (ΔE_LUMO–HOMO). The simulation results reveal that molecule H performs similarly to famous explosive RDX. These results provide basic information for molecular design of novel high energetic density compounds. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.