New Correlation between Electric Spark and Impact Sensitivities of Nitramine Energetic Compounds for Assessment of Their Safety

Electric spark and impact sensitivities of nitramine energetic compounds are two important sensitivity parameters, which are closely related to many accidents in working places. For nitramines, in contrast to electric spark sensitivity, their impact sensitivity can be easily measured or predicted by various methods. A new approach is introduced to correlate electric spark and impact sensitivities of nitramine energetic compounds by the use of three structural parameters. The predicted results of the novel model for 20 nitramines are compared with two of the best available models, which are based on complex quantum mechanical approach and the measured values of activation energies of thermolysis. The root‐mean‐square (rms) and maximum deviations of the new model are 1.06 and 2.41 J, respectively. For further 14 nitramines, where the measured electric spark or impact sensitivities were not available, the estimated electric spark sensitivities by the new model are close to those predicted based on experimental data of activation energies of thermolysis.     

Reliable Prediction of Shock Sensitivity of Energetic Compounds based on Small‐scale Gap Test through Their Electric Spark Sensitivity

The sensitivity of an energetic compound gives its vulnerability to accidental detonation, which is caused by an unintended stimulus. Shock and electric spark sensitivities of energetic compounds are two important sensitivity parameters for assessment of their safety in working places. Several correlations are introduced for reliable prediction of shock sensitivities of energetic compounds at 90, 95, and 98 % of theoretical maximum density (TMD) according to NSWC using Navy small‐scale gap test through their electric spark sensitivities. For 11 explosives, where experimental data of both shock and electric spark sensitivities were available, the predicted results at 90 % of TMD are compared with the quantum mechanical approach. The root‐mean‐square (rms) deviations of the new and complex quantum mechanical methods at 90 % TMD are 2.38 and 3.95 kbar, respectively, which confirmed the high reliability of the new method. For high explosives with 90, 95, and 98 % TMD, it will be shown that the predicted results of the new method are also much more reliable than one of the best available empirical approaches. A correlation between shock sensitivities on the basis of aluminum gaps with different thicknesses and the pressure required to initiate material pressed to 90 % TMD is also derived.     

Relation between Electric Spark Sensitivity and Impact Sensitivity of Nitroaromatic Energetic Compounds

Impact and electric spark sensitivities of energetic compounds are two important sensitivity parameters, which are closely related to many accidents in working places. In contrast to electric spark sensitivity, impact sensitivity can be easily measured. A new simple method is introduced to correlate electric spark and impact sensitivities of nitroaromatic compounds. Two correcting functions are used to consider several molecular moieties for reliable prediction of electric spark sensitivity through the measured or estimated impact sensitivity of nitroaromatics. The model is optimized using a set of 28 CHNO polynitroaromatic explosives and then it is tested for some nitroaromatics containing the other atoms such as sulfur. The predicted electric sensitivities of the new method are also compared with the reported results of a new quantum mechanical approach. For 22 CHNO nitroaromatics, quantum mechanical calculations are within ±3.0 J of 18 measured values and more than ±3.0 J for remaining 4 experimental data. Meanwhile, the predicted results of the method are less than ±3.0 J for 28 CHNO nitroaromatics. The root‐mean‐square (rms) deviations of the new model and quantum mechanical are also 1.55 and 2.51 J, respectively.     

Relationship between Electric Spark Sensitivity of Cyclic Nitramines and Their Molecular Electronic Properties

On the basis of the structural and electronic properties of 14 different cyclic nitramine molecules, two types of formulas are employed to predict their electric spark sensitivity. One contains the minimum Mulliken charges of nitro group, the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen, and the ratio of carbon to oxygen; the other contains the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy, the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen, and the ratio of carbon to oxygen. Using these two types of formulas, we calculate the electric spark sensitivity of these 14 cyclic nitramine molecules, and compare them with the experimental data and previous theoretical values. And our investigations show that the former type of formula is better than the latter on predicting the electric spark sensitivity for cyclic nitramine molecules.     

Relationship between Activation Energy of Thermolysis and Friction Sensitivity of Cyclic and Acyclic Nitramines

The knowledge of sensitiveness of an energetic compound to friction stimuli is important to ensure the safety of people and protection of property during shipment. The information on sensitivity to friction is considered very valuable for nitramines, which show relatively higher sensitivity with respect to the other classes of secondary explosives. This study presents a novel general simple model for prediction of the relationship between friction sensitivity and activation energy of thermolysis of cyclic and acyclic nitramines on the basis of their molecular structures. This methodology assumes that friction sensitivity of an energetic compound with general formula C_aH_bN_cO_d can be expressed as a function of activation energy of thermolysis and the contribution of specific molecular structural parameters. For 21 nitramines with different molecular structures, the new correlation has the root mean square and the average standard deviations of 14.2 and 17.8 N, respectively, as compared to experimental values. The proposed new method is also tested for further 8 nitramines containing complex molecular structures, which gives good predictions.     

On the molecular origin of the sensitivity to impact of cyclic nitramines

Nitramine explosives can combine relative insensitivity to initiation and great energy content. In this work, based on a previous approach developed for nitroaromatic explosives, we propose four mathematical models to correlate impact sensitivity, given by the h₅₀ value, to molecular charge properties. Fourteen cyclic nitramines were studied using Density Functional Theory (DFT). Six molecules of the set have measured h₅₀ values, which were used to evaluate the sensitivity models. Converged DFT charge densities of the molecules were partitioned and analyzed according to the distributed multipole analysis (DMA) atom-centered method. The sensitivity models were based on the DMA electric multipole values. The electron withdrawing role of the nitro group and the strong polarization of the charges of the nitrogen atom in the amine group were clearly identified. The influence of the electronic properties on the sensitivity of the explosives was characterized by including in the sensitivity models the charge values of the nitro or the nitramine groups and electron delocalization, the latter quantified by the DMA quadrupole values of the ring atoms. Inclusion of electron delocalization effects can improve the prediction of h₅₀ values for two out of the five strained-ring nitramines in the set. The charge values of the nitramine groups are the most important molecular property affecting the impact sensitivity. The h₅₀ values of eight nitramine explosives of the set not available experimentally were computed.     

3‐Nitramino‐4‐nitrofurazan: Enhancing the Stability and Energetic Properties by Introduction of Alkylnitramines

Nitration of 3‐amino‐4‐nitrofurazan with N₂O₅ yielded the corresponding nitramine. 3‐Nitramino‐4‐nitrofurazan is a very promising explosive regarding detonation performance but it suffers from its hygroscopicity, low thermal stability, and high sensitivity to external stimuli. The introduction of other nitramine groups either by alkylation with 1‐chloro‐2‐nitrazapropane or by combination of two 3‐nitramino‐4‐nitrofurazans yielded the corresponding more stable and non‐hygroscopic open‐chain nitramines. Their molecular structures were investigated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The remarkable difference of their impact sensitivities were evaluated by calculation of their electrostatic potential of the molecular surfaces. Furthermore, the detonation parameters and combustion parameters of the open‐chain nitramines were computed with the EXPLO5 (v. 6.02) computer code.     

Furazans with Azo Linkages: Stable CHNO Energetic Materials with High Densities,Highly Energetic Performance,and Low Impact and Friction Sensitivities

Various highly energetic azofurazan derivatives were synthesized by simple and efficient chemical routes. These nitrogen‐rich materials were fully characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Four of them were further confirmed structurally by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. These compounds exhibit high densities, ranging from 1.62 g cm^?3 up to a remarkably high 2.12 g cm^?3 for nitramine‐substituted azofurazan DDAzF ( 2 ), which is the highest yet reported for an azofurazan‐based CHNO energetic compound and is a consequence of the formation of strong intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding networks. From the heats of formation, calculated with Gaussian 09, and the experimentally determined densities, the energetic performances (detonation pressure and velocities) of the materials were ascertained with EXPLO5 v6.02. The results suggest that azofurazan derivatives exhibit excellent detonation properties (detonation pressures of 21.8–46.1 GPa and detonation velocities of 6602–10 114 m s^?1) and relatively low impact and friction sensitivities (6.0–80 J and 80–360 N, respectively). In particular, they have low electrostatic spark sensitivities (0.13–1.05 J). These properties, together with their high nitrogen contents, make them potential candidates as mechanically insensitive energetic materials with high‐explosive performance.     

A novel method for risk assessment of electrostatic sensitivity of nitroaromatics through their activation energies of thermal decomposition

This study presents a novel relationship between electric spark sensitivity of nitroaromatic energetic compounds and their activation energies of thermal decomposition. The new correlation can help to elucidate the mechanism of initiation of energetic materials by electric spark. It can be used to predict the magnitude of electric spark sensitivity of new nitroaromatics, which is difficult to measure. The methodology assumes that electric spark sensitivity of a nitroaromatic energetic compound with general formula C_aH_bN_cO_d can be expressed as a function of its activation energy of thermal decomposition as well as optimized elemental composition and the contribution of specific molecular structural parameters. The new correlation has the root mean square and the average deviations of 1.43 and 1.17 J, respectively, for 22 nitroaromatic energetic compounds with different molecular structures. The proposed new method is also tested for eight nitroaromatic energetic compounds, which have complex molecular structures, e.g., 1,3,7,9-tetranitrophenoxazine, 2,4,6-tris(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, and 1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-5,7-dinitrobenzotriazole.     

Energy transfer rates and impact sensitivities of two classes nitramine explosives molecules

Some explosives are stable molecules with large energy barriers to chemical reaction, and in shock or impact initiation, a sizable amount of phonon energy must be converted to the molecular internal higher vibrations by multiphonon up pumping. To investigate the relationship between impact sensitivities and energy transfer rates, the number of doorway modes of explosive molecules is estimated by a simple theory in which the rate is proportional to the number of normal mode vibrations. We evaluated frequencies of normal mode vibrations of 13 explosive molecules which are CHNO nitramine-contained and have not been analyzed previously. The number of doorway modes in the regions of 200–700 cm⁻¹ was evaluated by the direct counting method. For more clear investigation of the relationship we have classified these 13 nitramine explosive molecules, by the number of nitramine group they contained, into two groups. There are eight molecules that contained one nitramine group and five molecules that contained poly-nitramine groups. It is found that the number of doorway modes shows a linearly correlation to the impact sensitivities derived from drop hammer tests. This result is in agreement with that of several previous works. Besides, it is also noted in our study that in those nitramine explosives molecules with similar molecular structure (similar number nitramine group they contained) and similar molecular weight, the correlation between the sensitivity and the number of doorway modes is higher. We found that the vibrational frequency of ω corresponds to nitro group motions of every molecule is contributed to the number of doorway modes in the regions of 200–700 cm⁻¹.     

Design and properties prediction of modified CL-20 energetic derivatives

We designed a series of energetic compounds based on the CL-20 molecular skeleton, and the properties including molecular geometric structures, electronic structures, density, heat of formation, detonation performances, and impact sensitivity were evaluated using density functional theory (DFT). The results indicate that five molecules have higher density values than that of Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX; 1.91 g/cm³) and A4 has a larger density value (2.07 g/cm³) than that of CL-20 (2.04 g/cm³). In addition, most of the molecules have better detonation performances and stability than those of CL-20, with A4 showing much greater detonation velocity (9.93 km/s) and pressure (47.32 GPa) than those of CL-20 with a h₅₀ value of 14.02 cm. Taking both excellent detonation performance and low sensitivity into consideration, all seven compounds except for A3 and A5 are considered as potential energetic compounds. These theoretically calculated results would be conducive to the design and synthesis of novel nitramine energetic compounds.     

Dipropargyl ethers possessing nitramine units

The syntheses and characterization of novel propargyl ethers of N-(hydroxymethyl)nitramines that contain from one to four nitramine units are reported. All nitramine-functionalized ethers were well characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy as well as CHN analysis, and the X-ray crystal structures of two of them are described. For ethers bearing two or three nitramine units, the standard molar enthalpies of formation at 298.15 K were determined from the experimental standard molar energies of combustion in oxygen measured by static bomb combustion calorimetry     

Sensitive determination of RDX, nitroso-RDX metabolites, and other munitions in ground water by solid-phase extraction and isotope dilution liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure electro-spray [correction of chemical] ionization mass spectrometry.

Recent improvements in the LC-MS interface have increased the sensitivity and selectivity of this instrument in the analysis of polar and thermally-labile aqueous constituents. Determination of RDX, nitroso-RDX metabolites, and other munitions was enhanced using LC-MS with solid-phase extraction, 15N3-RDX internal standard, and electrospray ionization (ESI) in negative ion mode. ESI produced a five-fold increase in detector response over atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) for the nitramine compounds, while the more energetic APCI produced more than twenty times the ESI response for nitroaromatics. Method detection limits in ESI for nitramines varied from 0.03 microgram l-1 for MNX to 0.05 microgram l-1 for RDX.     

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.     

Crystal Structure,Thermal Decomposition Behaviors and Sensitivity Properties of a Novel Energetic Compound [Co(DAT)6](ClO4)2

A novel energetic coordination compound [Co(DAT)₆](ClO₄)₂ has been synthesized by using 1,5‐diaminotetrazole (DAT) as a ligand and its structure has been characterized using X‐ray single crystal diffraction, elemental analysis and FT‐IR spectroscopy. The central cobalt(II) cation is coordinated by six N atoms from six DAT molecules to form a six‐coordinated and distorted octahedral structure. Di‐dimension layer structure was formed by the extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonds between DAT ligands and ClO^?₄ anions along a‐axis and b‐axis. Thermal decomposition mechanism of [Co(DAT)₆](ClO₄)₂ was investigated based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectra. The kinetic parameters of the first exothermic process were studied by applying the Kissinger's and Ozawa‐Doyle's methods. Additionally, the sensitivities of this complex were tested. The results of all the studies show that [Co(DAT)₆](ClO₄)₂ has an extreme potential application as an energetic material.     

Di(propargyl)nitramine: synthesis and reactivity

An improved synthesis of (propargyl)nitramine and its pioneering conversion to di(propargyl)nitramine involve the alkylation of NH nitramines with propargyl halides or tosylate as the key steps. The standard (p° = 0.1 MPa) molar enthalpy of formation at 298.15 K for di(propargyl)nitramine was determined from the experimental standard molar energy of combustion in oxygen, measured by static bomb combustion calorimetry. Propargyl nitramines are suitable substrates for 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions with azides, nitrile oxides and diazo compounds.     

Highly Energetic,Low Sensitivity Aromatic Peroxy Acids

The synthesis, structure, and energetic materials properties of a series of aromatic peroxy acid compounds are described. Benzene‐1,3,5‐tris(carboperoxoic) acid is a highly sensitive primary energetic material, with impact and friction sensitivities similar to those of triacetone triperoxide. By contrast, benzene‐1,4‐bis(carboperoxoic) acid, 4‐nitrobenzoperoxoic acid, and 3,5‐dinitrobenzoperoxoic acid are much less sensitive, with impact and friction sensitivities close to those of the secondary energetic material 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene. Additionally, the calculated detonation velocities of 3,5‐dinitrobenzoperoxoic acid and 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzoperoxoic acid exceed that of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene. The solid‐state structure of 3,5‐dinitrobenzoperoxoic acid contains intermolecular O‐H???O hydrogen bonds and numerous N???O, C???O, and O???O close contacts. These attractive lattice interactions may account for the less sensitive nature of 3,5‐dinitrobenzoperoxoic acid.     

Methylated Azoles, 2‐Tetrazenes,and Hydrazines

This report is a summary of our work on energetic materials. Herein, triazole‐, tetrazole‐, 2‐tetrazene‐ and hydrazine‐based energetic compounds are described. An overview of the synthetic methods and of the problematic around the quest of new explosives is given. Hydrogen‐bonding formation and alkylation (methylation) reactions were studied as a mean to decrease the sensitivities towards classical stimuli and increase their thermal and chemical stability. ¹⁵N NMR spectroscopy is a valuable tool for the assignment of the methylation site in keeping with the results of the crystal structure analysis. Lastly, the thermal/chemical stability, sensitivity data and energetic performance of the compounds is described.     

Mass spectral fragmentation pathways in cyclic difluoramino and nitro compounds

The recently synthesized compounds 4, 4-bis(difluoramino)-1-nitropiperidine (I), 1,4,4-trinitropiperidine (II), 1,1,4,4-tetranitrocyclohexane (III), 1,1,4, 4-tetrakis(difluoramino)cyclohexane (IV) and 3,3,7, 7-tetrakis(difluora-mino)octahydro-1,5-dinitro-1,5-diazocine (HNFX, V) are being considered as potential energetic materials. The mass spectra of these compounds were studied using electron ionization (EI) mass spectrometry. A collision-induced dissociation (CID) study of the major EI peaks was carried out using a Finnigan TSQ 700 tandem mass spectrometer. The mass fragmentation pathways are constructed and discussed. The decomposition of HNFX (V), under EI, appeared to parallel the thermal decomposition of nitramines where N-NO(2) cleavage is often the first step. However, the two nitramines with a six-membered ring structure (I and II) underwent initial loss of a geminal substituent; loss of a nitramine nitro group was the secondary step. The two cyclohexane structures (III and IV) showed similar initial fragmentation pathways, featuring successive losses of nitro or difluoramino groups. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.