Ferrocenyl Ionic Compounds Containing [Fe(CN)6]3– Anions: Synthesis,Characterization, and Catalytic Effects during Combustion

Twenty‐eight novel ferrocenyl ionic compounds, composed of mononuclear 1‐ferrocenylmethylalkyldimethylammoniums, 1‐ferrocenylmethyl‐3‐alkylimidazoliums, or their dinuclear analogs and [Fe(CN)₆]^3– anion, were designed and synthesized to tackle significant volatility and migration tendency of ferrocene‐based burning rate catalysts (BRCs) used currently in the composite solid propellants. The new compounds were characterized by UV/Vis, FT‐IR, and elementary analysis. The crystal structures of compounds 2· 5H₂O and 3· CH₂Cl₂ · 4H₂O verified the successful preparation of the desired ionic compounds. The TG tests at 70 °C for 24 h revealed that the new compounds exhibit lower volatility than catocene. The cyclic‐voltammetry results suggested that new compounds are quasi‐reversible or irreversible redox systems. TheTG/DSC analyses exhibited that the compounds are of highly thermal stability. Their catalytic effects on the thermal degradation of ammonium perchlorate (AP), 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazacyclohexane (RDX), and 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazacyclooctane (HMX) were investigated. The results showed that most of the compounds exert great effects on the thermal degradation of AP and RDX during combustion. 11 and 2 are comparable to catocene in the thermal decomposition of AP and RDX, respectively, and can therefore be used as alternatives of catocene in a composite solid propellant. Some new compounds are unexpectedly active in promoting the thermal disintegration of HMX.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a Dinuclear Nitrogen‐Rich Ferrocenyl Ligand and Its Ionic Coordination Compounds and Their Catalytic Effects During Combustion

Alkylferrocene‐based burning‐rate catalysts (BRCs) exhibit distinct migration tendency and high volatility and thus result in inferior performance of composite solid propellants during their combustion processes. To deal with these drawbacks, a novel dinuclear nitrogen‐rich ferrocene derivative, 4‐amino‐3,5‐bis(4‐ferrocenyl‐1,2,3‐triazolyl‐1‐methyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole (BFcTAZ) and its twenty seven ionic coordination compounds, [M₂(BFcTAZ)₂(H₂O)₄]_mX_n·xH₂O (M = Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²; X = polycyano anions), were synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR, UV/Vis, and elementary analysis. Crystal structure of BFcTAZ was further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and a general molecular structure of the new complexes was proposed. Their high thermal stability was verified by TG technique. Cyclic voltammetry studies suggested that the new compounds are diverse redox systems. Their effects on the thermal degradation of some common oxidizers were measured by DSC technique. The results indicated that most of the new complexes exert great effects on the thermal decomposition of AP, RDX, and 1,1‐diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethylene (FOX‐7) and some of them are more active than catocene. The Cu²⁺ complexes are among the excellent ones. However, only six compounds have appreciable catalytic activity in the thermal degradation of HMX.     

Mono‐ and Dinuclear Ferrocenyl Ionic Compounds with Polycyano Anions. Characterization,Migration, and Catalytic Effects on Thermal Decomposition of Energetic Compounds

Neutral ferrocene‐based burning rate (BR) catalysts show strong migration trends and volatility during long‐time storage and curing of the composite solid propellants. To reduce these disadvantages thirty‐two ferrocenyl quaternary ammonium compounds, paired with polycyano anions, were synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis. Additionally, crystal structures of eight compounds were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. TG and DSC analyses indicated that the compounds containing 1,1,2,3,3‐pentacyanopropenide anions show high thermal stability. Cyclic voltammetry studies suggested that they are quasi‐reversible or irreversible redox systems. Anti‐migration tests verified that the tested compounds show very low migration tendency and some of them exhibit no migration after 30 days aging at 70 °C. Their catalytic efficiency in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP), 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazacyclohexane (RDX), and 1,2,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazacyclooctane (HMX) were examined by DSC analyses. The results revealed that most of the compounds exhibit distinct effects on the thermal degradation of AP and RDX. Two compounds have good catalytic ability in the thermal decomposition of HMX, representing rare examples of the reported ferrocenyl ionic compounds, which display catalytic property during combustion of HMX.     

Dinuclear (Ferrocenylmethyl)imidazolium Ionic Compounds with Polycyano Anions. Characterization,Migration, and Effects during Combustion

Alkyl‐substituted ferrocene‐based burning rate catalysts exhibit high migration and volatility during curing process and prolonged storage of the composite solid propellants. To deal with the drawbacks twenty‐one dinuclear (ferrocenylmethyl)imidazolium compounds paired with polycyano anions, were synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, UV/Vis, elementary analysis, and both 2 and 11 were further characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The migration test revealed that the compounds have excellent anti‐migration ability. The cyclic‐voltammetry results suggested that they are quasi‐reversible or irreversible redox systems. The TG/DSC analyses showed that the compounds are highly thermal stable. Their effects on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) and 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazacyclohexane (RDX) were additionally examined. The results showed that the new compounds have strong effects on the thermal decomposition of both AP and RDX during combustion. Both 13 and 21 are more excellent than catocene for increasing the released heats of AP and can be used as alternatives of catocene in the composite solid propellants.     

New theoretically predicted RDX‐ and β‐HMX‐based high‐energy‐density molecules

Theoretically new high‐energy‐density materials (HEDM) in which the hydrogens on RDX and β‐HMX (hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine and octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine, respectively) were sequentially replaced by (N NO₂)x functional groups were designed and evaluated using density functional theory calculations in combination with the Kamlet–Jacobs equations and an atoms‐in‐molecules (AIM) analysis. Improved detonation properties and reduced sensitivity compared to RDX and β‐HMX were predicted. Interestingly, the RDX and β‐HMX derivatives having one attached N NO₂ group [RDX‐(NNO₂)1 and HMX‐(NNO₂)1] showed excellent detonation properties (detonation velocities: 9.529 and 9.575 km·s⁻¹, and detonation pressures: 40.818 and 41.570 GPa, respectively), which were superior to the parent compounds. Sensitivity estimations obtained by calculating impact sensitivities and HOMO‐LUMO gaps indicated that RDX‐(NNO₂)1 and HMX‐(NNO₂)1 were less stable than RDX and HMX but more stable than any of the other derivatives. This method of sequential NNO₂ group attachment on conventional HEDMs offers a firm basis for further studies on the design of new explosives. Furthermore, the newly found structures may be promising candidates for better HEDMs.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Migration of Ionic Polyferrocenyl Compounds of 5‐Ferrocenyl‐1H‐tetrazole and Their Effects During Combustion

Eighteen ionic polyferrocenyl compounds with 5‐ferrocenyl‐1H‐tetrazolate as anion and mono‐ and dinuclear ferrocenyl‐alkylammonium as cations were synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, FT‐IR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Molecular structures of three compounds were further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Their thermal stability was evaluated by TG and DSC and found that they are of high thermal stability. The cyclic voltammetry analysis suggested that each of the compounds exhibits only an irreversible redox wave of the ferrocene units in the molecule. Both migration and volatility test results showed that, on comparison with those of Catocene, all tested compounds exhibit much more excellent anti‐migration ability and most of the tested compounds have lower volatility. Their effects on the thermal disintegration of ammonium perchlorate (AP), 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazacyclohexane (RDX), and 1,2,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazacyclooctane (HMX) were measured by DSC. The results revealed that most of the compounds exhibit significant catalytic effects on the thermal degradation of AP and RDX. Particularly, most of the compounds containing one ferrocene unit in their cations show higher activity than that of Catocene. These compounds can be used as alternatives to Catocene in the composite solid propellants.     

Mass spectral fragmentation pathways in RDX and HMX. A mass analyzed ion kinetic energy spectrometric/collisional induced dissociation study

A collisional induced dissociation study of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5 triazacyclohexane (RDX) and 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazacyclooctane (HMX) was carried out using mass analyzed kinetic energy spectrometry. High resolution mass spectra and mass analyzed ion kinetic energy/collisional induced dissociation spectra of RDX and HMX were recorded in the electron impact, chemical ionization and negative ion chemical ionization modes. Fragmentation pathways of the compounds investigated were determined in all three modes of ionization. It was found that a major part of the fragment ions in RDX and HMX originate from formation of the aduct ions [M+NO]⁺ and [M+NO₂]⁺ in electron impact and chemical ionization, and from [M+NO]^? and [M+NO₂]^? in negative chemical ionization, followed by dissociation.     

Ferrocenyl Ionic Compounds Based on 5‐Ferrocenyl‐1H‐tetrazole. Synthesis,Characterization, Migration,and Catalytic Effects During Combustion

Ferrocenyl ionic compounds, consisting of the 5‐ferrocenyltetrazolate anion and a guanidinium or a 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium cation, were synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy, as well as elementary analysis. The molecular structures of four compounds were additionally confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Results of the TG and DSC analyses showed that some compounds display high thermal stability. Cyclic voltammetry investigations suggested that the compounds exhibit redox waves for the ferrocenyl groups and are considered as irreversible redox systems. Migration studies revealed that migration trends of the compounds are much lower than that of 2, 2‐bis(ethylferrocenyl)propane (Catocene), extensively used in composite solid propellants. Their catalytic performances for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP), 1, 3,5‐trinitro‐1, 3,5‐triazacyclohexane (RDX), and 1, 2,5, 7‐tetranitro‐1, 3,5, 7‐tetraazacyclooctane (HMX) were evaluated by DSC and/or TG techniques. Most of the compounds exhibit high catalytic efficiency in the thermal degradation of AP and RDX. Those of the guanidine‐containing compounds 1 – 3 are better, implying that nitrogen‐rich moieties are beneficial to enhancing released heats of some energetic materials. These guanidine salts could be used as ferrocene‐based burning rate catalyst candidates in composite solid propellants.     

Density functional theory studies of effects of boron replacement on the structure and property of RDX and HMX

In this study, based on two model nitramine compounds hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5, 7-tetrazocine (HMX), two series of new energetic molecules were designed by replacing carbon atoms in the ring with different amounts of boron atoms, their structures and performances were investigated theoretically by the density functional theory method. The results showed that the boron replacement could affect the molecular shape and electronic structure of RDX and HMX greatly, and then would do harm to the main performance like the heat of formation, density, and sensitivity. However, the compound RDX-B2 is an exception; it was formed by replacing two boron atoms into the system of RDX and has the symmetric boat-like structure. Its oxygen balance (4.9%), density (1.91 g/cm³), detonation velocity (8.85 km/s), and detonation pressure (36.9 GPa) are all higher than RDX. Furthermore, RDX-B2 has shorter and stronger N NO₂ bonds than RDX, making it possesses lower sensitivity (45 cm) and better thermal stability (the bond dissociation energy for the N NO₂ bond is 204.7 kJ/mol) than RDX. Besides, RDX-B1 and HMX-B4 also have good overall performance; these three new molecules may be regarded as a new potential candidate for high energy density compounds.     

Action of salt formation on the bifunctional nature of 12-molybdophosphoric acid and their relationship to the catalytic activity

The acidic properties and the catalytic activity of 12-molybdophosphates (M _x/n ⁿ⁺ H_3-x PMo₁₂O₄₀;M = Cu²⁺, Bi³⁺, Cr³⁺ andX=1–3) have been studied. The results are discussed as the effect of these catalyst components on the partial charge on oxygen atom which is in a relation with the acidity. It is shown that the oxygen-hydrogen bond is weakened as the value of partial charge on oxygen (– ₀) becomes more negative, while the vapor-phase dehydration activity of 2-propanol was explained on the basis of the reacting zone wideness taking into account the pseudo liquid phase nature of the heteropoly compounds. A correlation of the percentage conversion of 2-propanol with the fractional charge on the molybdenum atom was successful to interpret the effect of the redox properties of these catalysts on their catalytic activity.

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Auswirkung der Salzbildung auf die bifunktionelle Natur der 12-Molybdänphosphorsäure und ihre Beziehung zur katalytischen AKtivität

Zusammenfassung Es wurden die sauren Eigenschaften und die katalytische Aktivität von 12-Molybdänphosphaten (M _x/n ⁿ⁺ H_3-x PMo₁₂O₄₀;M = Cu²⁺, Bi³⁺, Cr³⁺ andX=1–3) untersucht. Die Ergebnisse werden bezüglich der Partialladung am Sauerstoffatom diskutiert, wobei gezeigt wird, daß die Sauerstoff—Wasserstoff-Bindung mit negativerem Sauerstoff schwächer wird, während die katalytische Dampfphasen-Dehydrierungsaktivität an 2-Propanol mit der Reaktionszone der pseudoflüssigen Struktur der Heteropolyverbindungen in Zusammenhang gebracht werden kann. Die Redox-Eigenschaften der Katalysatoren beim prozentuellen Umsatz der Reaktion von 2-Propanol sind direkt mit der fraktionellen Ladung am Molybdänatom zu korrelieren.

     

Synthesis of Ferrocene-based Esters as Burning Rate Catalysts and their Anti-migration Study

Ferrocene-based (Fc-based) burning rate catalysts (BRCs) play an essential role in the solid rocket propellants. However, the migration problem during curing and storage limits their applications. To retard the migration problems of Fc-based BRCs and to increase the burning rate (BR) of AP-based propellants, Fc-based esters compounds (Es-Fcs) were synthesized. The synthesized Es-Fcs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR),¹³C NMR and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The electrochemical behaviors of Es-Fcs were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The BR catalytic activity of Es-Fcs on thermal decomposition of AP were examined by thermogravimetry (TG). Thermal analysis results showed that these Es-Fcs had good BR catalytic effects on thermal decomposition of AP. It was found that the anti-migration performance of Es-Fcs were better than catocene and Fc.     

Molecular design of all nitrogen pentazole‐based high energy density compounds with oxygen balance equal to zero

We designed a new family of pentazole‐based high energy density compounds with oxygen balance equal to zero by introducing −NH₂, −NO₂, −N₃, −CF₂NF₂, and −C[NO₂]₃, and the properties including density, heats of formation, detonation performances, and impact sensitivity were investigated using density functional theory. The results show that half of these new energetic molecules exhibit higher densities than RDX (1.82 g/cm³), in which H5 gives the highest density of 2.09 g/cm³. Among all the 54 designed molecules, 22 compounds have higher D and P than RDX and eleven compounds have higher D and P than HMX, indicating that designing the pentazole‐based derivatives with oxygen balance equal to zero is a very effective way to obtain potential energetic compounds with outstanding detonation properties. Taking both the detonation performance and stability into consideration, nine compounds may be recognized as potential candidates of high energy density compounds. It is expected that our results will contribute to the theoretical design of new‐generation energetic explosives.     

Hexatellurium Rings in Coordination Polymers and Molecular Clusters: Synthesis and Crystal Structures of [M(Te6)]X3 (M = Rh,Ir; X = Cl,Br, I) and [Ru2(Te6)](TeBr3)4(TeBr2)2

The reaction of an electron‐rich transition metal M (M = Ru, Rh, Ir), tellurium and TeX₄ (X = Cl, Br, I) resulted in black crystals of five ternary coordination polymers with the general composition [M^III(Te₆)]X₃ (M = Rh, Ir) and of the molecular cluster compound [Ru^II₂(Te₆)](Te^IIBr₃)₄(Te^IIBr₂)₂. X‐ray diffraction on single‐crystals revealed that the compounds [M(Te₆)]X₃ crystallize isostructurally in the trigonal space group type R$\bar{3}$ c. In their crystal structures linear, positively charged [M^III(Te₆)] chains form the motif of a hexagonal rod packing. In the chain, each of the formally uncharged Te₆ molecules with chair conformation acts as a bis‐tridentate bridging ligand to two M atoms. The octahedrally coordinated M atoms are spiro atoms in the chain of trans vertices sharing heterocubane fragments. Including the isolated halide ions, which provide charge balance, the entire arrangement resembles a cut‐out of the α‐polonium structure type.In the monoclinic compound Ru₂Te₁₂Br₁₆ (space group P2₁/n), the ruthenium atoms of the hetero‐cubane core of the molecular cluster [Ru₂(Te₆)](TeBr₃)₄(TeBr₂)₂ are saturated by terminal bromidotellurate(II) groups. Again, the Te₆ ring is formally uncharged. With the tellurium atoms acting as electron‐pair donors the 18 electron rule is fulfilled for the M atoms in all compounds.     

A LC-MS method allowing the analysis of HMX and RDX present at the picogram level in natural aqueous samples without a concentration step

The introduction of chloroform into the nebulising gas of a LC/MS electrospray interface (ESI), in a perfectly controlled way, leads to the formation of intense adducts ([M+Cl]⁻) when a mobile phase containing HMX (1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazacyclooctane or octogen) and RDX (1,3,5-trintro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane or hexogen) is eluted. This LC/MS method allows the direct analysis of aqueous samples containing HMX and RDX at the pictogram level without a concentration step. The method is used to determine HMX and RDX concentrations in ground water samples from a military site.     

Cd2Cu(PO4)2

During an investigation of the insufficiently known system M1O–M2O–X₂O₅–H₂O (M1 = Cd²⁺, Sr²⁺ and Ba²⁺; M2 = Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Mg²⁺; X = P⁵⁺, As⁵⁺ and V⁵⁺), single crystals of the novel compound dicadmium copper(II) bis[phosphate(V)], Cd₂Cu(PO₄)₂, were obtained. This compound belongs to a small group of compounds adopting a Cu₃(PO₄)₂‐type structure and having the general formula M1₂M2(XO₄)₂ (M1/M2 = Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Zn²⁺; X = As⁵⁺, P⁵⁺ and V⁵⁺). The crystal structure is characterized by the interconnection of infinite [Cu(PO₄)₂]_n chains and [Cd₂O₁₀]_n double chains, both extending along the a axis. Exceptional characteristics of this structure are its novel chemical composition and the occurrence of double chains of CdO₆ polyhedra that were not found in related structures. In contrast to the isomorphous compounds, where the M1 cations are coordinated by five O atoms, the Cd atom is coordinated by six. The dissimilarity in the geometry of M1 coordination between Cd₂Cu(PO₄)₂ and the isomorphous compounds is mostly due to the larger ionic radius of the Cd cation in comparison with the Cu, Mg and Zn cations. Sharing a common edge, two CdO₆ polyhedra form Cd₂O₁₀ dimers. Each such dimer is bonded to another dimer sharing common vertices, forming [Cd₂O₁₀]_n double chains in the [100] direction. The Cu atoms, located on an inversion centre (site symmetry ), form isolated CuO₄ squares interconnected by PO₄ tetrahedra, forming [Cu(PO₄)₂]_n chains similar to those found in related structures. Conversely, the [Cd₂O₁₀]_n double chains, which were not found in related structures, are an exclusive feature of this structure.     

Structural Diversity and Magnetic Properties of Hybrid Ruthenium Halide Perovskites and Related Compounds

There has been a great deal of recent interest in extended compounds containing Ru³⁺ and Ru⁴⁺ in light of their range of unusual physical properties. Many of these properties are displayed in compounds with the perovskite and related structures. Here we report an array of structurally diverse hybrid ruthenium halide perovskites and related compounds: MA₂RuX₆ (X=Cl or Br), MA₂MRuX₆ (M=Na, K or Ag; X=Cl or Br) and MA₃Ru₂X₉ (X=Br) based upon the use of methylammonium (MA=CH₃NH₃⁺) on the perovskite A site. The compounds MA₂RuX₆ with Ru⁴⁺ crystallize in the trigonal space group and can be described as vacancy‐ordered double‐perovskites. The ordered compounds MA₂MRuX₆ with M⁺ and Ru³⁺ crystallize in a structure related to BaNiO₃ with alternating MX₆ and RuX₆ face‐shared octahedra forming linear chains in the trigonal space group. The compound MA₃Ru₂Br₉ crystallizes in the orthorhombic Cmcm space group and displays pairs of face‐sharing octahedra forming isolated Ru₂Br₉ moieties with very short Ru–Ru contacts of 2.789 Å. The structural details, including the role of hydrogen bonding and dimensionality, as well as the optical and magnetic properties of these compounds are described. The magnetic behavior of all three classes of compounds is influenced by spin–orbit coupling and their temperature‐dependent behavior has been compared with the predictions of the appropriate Kotani models.     

“One‐Step” Synthesis of Ionic Ferrocenyl Compounds of Ferrocenylmethyldimethylamine. Characterization,Migration, and Catalytic Properties During Combustion

Alkylferrocene‐based burning rate catalysts exhibit high migration tendency and volatility during prolonged storage and fabrication process of the solid propellants. To retard the migration problems, eight ionic compounds composed of ferrocenylmethyldimethylammonium cation paired with a common energetic anion, were synthesized by “one‐step” procedure. The compounds were characterized by FT‐IR, NMR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy as well as elementary analysis. Their crystal structures were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The TG and DSC analyses indicated that they exhibit high thermal stability. Cyclic voltammetry studies suggested that most of them show reversible or quasi‐reversible redox waves. The anti‐migration results revealed that 1 – 4 are low‐migratory compounds, but 5 exhibits high migration trends. The TG curves at 70 °C for 24 h showed that all of them have low volatility. They have from high to low impact sensitivity depending on the anions of the compounds. They all exhibit significant effect on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) and some of them accelerate the thermal degradation of 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazacyclohexane (RDX). Among them 4 is the best one. Unexpectedly, compound 5 , with 1H‐tetrazolate as anion, can decompose into its original reactants at the temperature just higher than its melting point and could show smart‐material functionality in solid propellants.     

Synthesis and Structures of Gallium‐β‐Diketiminate Complexes: Isolation of a Dinuclear Gallium(II) Complex

The sterically demanding β‐diketiminate ligand L^dmp [L^dmp = HC{(CMe)N(dmp)}₂, dmp = C₆H₃‐2,6‐Me₂] was used to stabilize various gallium complexes in the formal oxidation states +II and +III. The reaction of in situ generated [L^dmpLi] with gallium chloride affords [L^dmpGaCl₂] ( 1 ), which was used as starting complex to synthesize a variety of gallium(III) compounds [L^dmpGaX₂] [X = F ( 2 ), I ( 3 ), H ( 4 ), and Me ( 5 )]. Synthesis of the dinuclear complex [L^dmpGaI]₂ ( 6 ), with gallium in the formal oxidation state +II was accomplished by converting “GaI” with in situ generated [L^dmpLi] in toluene. All compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, NMR spectroscopy, LIFDI‐TOF‐MS, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Additionally DFT calculations were performed for analysis of the bonding in 6 .     

Synergistic Catalytic Effect of a Series of Energetic Coordination Compounds based on Tetrazole‐1‐acetic Acid on Thermal Decomposition of HMX

A series of energetic coordination compounds [Co(tza)₂}_n ( 1 ), [Bi(tza)₃]_n ( 2 ), {[Cu₄(tza)₆(OH)₂] · 4H₂O}_n ( 3 ), [Mn(tza)₂]_n ( 4 ), {[Bi(tza)(C₂O₄)(H₂O)] · H₂O}_n ( 5 ) and [Fe₃O(tza)₆(H₂O)₃]NO₃ ( 6 ) based on tetrazole‐1‐acetic acid (Htza) were synthesized though environmentally friendly methods. The coordination compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analyses (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Their catalytic performances and the synergetic catalytic effects between 1 and 2 , 3 and 4 , 5 and 6 on the thermal decomposition of octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine (HMX) were all investigated by DSC. The results revealed that compounds 1 – 6 are thermally stable energetic compounds and they all exhibit high catalytic action for HMX thermal decomposition. The catalytic effects of the compounds on HMX thermal decomposition are closely related to the oxides, which come from the decomposition of the compounds, but have no positive relationships with the heat releases of the compounds themselves. Moreover, the synergetic catalytic effects between 1 and 2 , 3 and 4 , 5 and 6 were observed. Their mixtures at different mass ratio have different synergetic catalytic effects, and the sequence of the biggest synergetic index (SI) in each system is copper‐manganese system (compounds 3 and 4 ) > iron‐bismuth system (compounds 5 and 6 ) > cobalt‐bismuth system (compounds 1 and 2 ), indicating that the synergistic catalytic effects are mainly related to the combination and the proportion of the compounds.     

The Intermetalloid Clusters [Ni2Bi12]4+ and [Rh2Bi12]4+ – Ionothermal Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Chemical Bonding

The intermetalloid clusters [M₂Bi₁₂]⁴⁺ (M = Ni, Rh) were synthesized as halogenido‐aluminates in Lewis‐acidic ionic liquids. The reaction of bismuth and NiCl₂ in [BMIm]Cl · 5AlCl₃ (BMIm = 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) at 180 °C yielded black, triclinic (P1 ) crystals of [Ni₂Bi₁₂][AlCl₄]₃[Al₂Cl₇]. Black, monoclinic (P2₁/m) crystals of [Rh₂Bi₁₂][AlBr₄]₄ precipitated after dissolving the cluster salt Bi_12–xRhX_13–x (X = Cl, Br; 0 < x < 1) in [BMIm]Br·4.1AlBr₃ at 140 °C. In the cationic cluster [Ni₂Bi₁₂]⁴⁺, the nickel atoms center two base‐sharing square antiprisms of bismuth atoms (symmetry close to D_4h). The valence‐electron‐poorer rhodium‐containing cluster is a distorted variant of this motif: the terminating Bi₄ rings are folded to bicyclic “butterflies“ and the central square splits into two dumbbells (symmetry close to D_2h). DFT‐based calculations and real‐space bonding analyses place the intermetalloid units between a triple‐decker complex and a conjoined Wade‐Mingos cluster.