Computational studies on polynitrohexaazaadmantanes as potential high energy density materials

Polynitrohexaazaadamantanes (PNHAAs) have been the subject of much recent research because of their potential as high energy density materials (HEDMs). The B3LYP/6-31G method was employed to evaluate the heats of formation (HOFs) for PNHAAs by designing isodesmic reactions. The HOFs are found to be correlative with the number (n) and the space orientations of nitro groups. Detonation velocities (D) and detonation pressures (P) were estimated for PNHAAs by using the well-known Kamlet-Jacobs equations, based on the theoretical densities (rho) and HOFs. It is found that D and P increase as n ranges from 1 to 6, and PNHAAs with 4-6 nitro groups meet the criteria of an HEDM. When n is over 6, rho of PNHAAs slightly increases; however, the chemical energy of detonation (Q) decreases so greatly that both D and P decrease. The calculations on bond dissociation energies suggest that the N-N bond be the trigger bond during the pyrolysis initiation process of each PNHAA, and with increasing n, N-N bond dissociation energy (E(N-N)) decreases on the whole, that is to say, the relative stability of PNHAAs decreases. All E(N-N)(s) of PNHAAs are more than 30 kcal.mol(-1), which further proves that four PNHAAs with 4-6 nitro groups can be used as the candidates of HEDMs. Considering the synthesis difficulty and the performance as an energetic compound, we finally recommended 2,4,6,8,10-pentanitrohexaazaadamantane as the target HEDM for PNHAAs.     

Computational DFT studies on a series of toluene derivatives as potential high energy density compounds

Based on the full optimized molecular geometric structures at B3LYP/6-31G**, B3LYP/6-31+G**, B3P86/6-31G**, and B3P86/6-31+G** levels, the densities (ρ), detonation velocities (D), and pressures (P) for a series of toluene derivatives, as well as their thermal stabilities, were investigated to look for high energy density compounds (HEDCs). The heats of formation (HOFs) are also calculated via designed isodesmic reactions. The calculations on the bond dissociation energies (BDEs) indicate that the BDEs of the initial scission step are between 48 and 59 kcal/mol, and pentanitrotoluene is the most reactive compound, while 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene is the least reactive compound for toluene derivatives studied. A good linear relationship between BDE/E and impact sensitivity is also obtained. The condensed phase HOFs are calculated for the title compounds. These results would provide basic information for the further studies of HEDCs. The detonation data of pentanitrotoluene show that it meets the requirement for HEDCs.     

Theoretical studies on a series of 1,2,3-triazoles derivatives as potential high energy density compounds

Based on the full-optimized molecular geometric structures at B3LYP/6-31G* and B3P86/6-31G* levels, the densities (ρ), detonation velocities (D), and pressures (P) for a series of 1,2,3-triazole derivatives, as well as their thermal stabilities, were investigated to look for high energy density compounds (HEDCs). The heats of formation (HOFs) are also calculated via designed isodesmic reactions. The calculations on the bond dissociation energies (BDEs) indicate that the BDEs of the initial scission step are between 53 and 70 kcal/mol, and 4-nitro-1,2,3-triazole is the most reactive compound, while 1-(2′,4′-dinitrophenyl)-5-nitro-1,2,3-triazole is the least reactive compound for 1,2,3-triazole derivatives studied. The condensed phase heats of formation are also calculated for the title compounds. These results would provide basic information for the further studies of HEDCs. The detonation data of 1-(3′,4′-dinitrophenyl)-4-nitro-1,2,3-triazole and 1-(2′,4′-dinitrophenyl)-4-nitro-1,2,3-triazole show that they meet the requirement for HEDCs.     

New potential high energy density compounds: Oxadiaziridine derivatives

The -CN, -N₃, -NF₂, -NH₂, -NHNO₂, -NO₂, and -ONO₂ derivatives of oxadiaziridine were studied using B3LYP/6-311G** level of density functional theory. The gas phase heats of formation of oxadiaziridine derivatives were calculated by isodesmic reaction. All these compounds have high and positive heats of formation due to strain energies of small ring. Detonation properties were calculated via Kamlet-Jacobes equations and specific impulse. The effects of substituent groups on detonation performance were discussed. The impact sensitivity was estimated according to the “available free space per molecule in unit cell” and “energy gaps” methods. The similar conclusions were given by two different methods. The effects of substituents on impact sensitivity were discussed. According to the given estimations of detonation performance and sensitivity, some oxadiaziridine derivatives may be considered promising high energies materials.     

Cyclic triamines as potential high energy materials. Thermochemical properties of triaziridine and triazirine

As part of our survey of potential high-energy materials, we are considering molecules that have relatively high nitrogen content. Such molecules can decompose or combust to make very stable products. Here, we present calculated thermochemical properties of two molecules containing three nitrogen atoms in a ring: triaziridine and triazirine . Gaussian-2 and -3, CBS-APNO, and CBS-QB3 are the high-precision methods used in this study.     

Thermal studies on tetrazole derivatives using a differential scanning calorimeter. I

The thermal decomposition of arylidene tetrazolyl hydrazones has been studied under dynamic and isothermal conditions using a differential scanning calorimeter. Attempts have been made to evaluate the thermochemical and kinetic parameters of these compounds. It has been observed that the thermal stability of the tetrazole derivatives decreases with increasing substitution of nitro groups in the aromatic ring.     

Drug discovery studies on quinoline-based derivatives as potential antimalarial agents

Molecular modelling studies were performed to identify the essential structural requirements of quinoline-based derivatives for improving their antimalarial activity. The developed CoMFA, CoMSIA and HQSAR models for a training set comprising 37 derivatives showed good statistical significance in terms of internal cross validation (q²) 0.70, 0.69 and 0.80 and non-cross validation (r²) 0.80, 0.79 and 0.80. Also, the predicted r² values (r²_pred) of 0.63, 0.61 and 0.72 for a test set consisting of 12 compounds suggested significant predicting ability of the models. Structural features were correlated in terms of steric, electrostatic, hydrophobic, hydrogen bond donor and hydrogen bond acceptor interactions. Furthermore, the bioactive conformation was explored and explained by docking compounds #28, 32 and 40 into the active binding site of lactate dehydrogenase of Plasmodium falciparum. The QSAR models, contour map and docking binding affinity obtained could be successfully utilized as a guiding tool for the design and discovery of novel quinoline-based derivatives with potent antimalarial activity.     

Computational studies on N-phenyl pyrrole derivatives as MmpL3 inhibitors in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The fight against tuberculosis (TB) is a time immemorial one and the emergence of new drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis keeps throwing new challenges to the scientific community immersed in finding mechanisms to control this dreaded disease. Computer aided drug designing (CADD) is one of the several approaches that can assist in identifying the potent actives against Mycobacterium. In this work, a series of 109 known Mycobacterial membrane proteins large 3 (MmpL3) inhibitors were pooled and atom based 3D QSAR analysis was performed to understand the structural features essential for inhibitory activity against the MmpL3, known to be a key player in transporting substances critical for cell wall integrity of Mycobacterium. The data set employed was randomly split into training set and test set molecules. The training set of 74 molecules was used to derive CoMFA and CoMSIA models that were statistically reliable (CoMFA: q²_loo = 0.53; r²_ncv = 0.93 and CoMSIA: q²_loo = 0.60; r²_ncv = 0.93). The derived models also exhibited good external predictive ability (CoMFA: r²_pred = 0.78 and CoMSIA: r²_pred = 0.79). The results are quite encouraging and information derived from these analyses was applied to design new molecules. The designed molecule showed appreciable predicted activity values and reasonably good ADMET profile. The strategy used in designing new molecules can be pursued in the hunt for new chemical entities targeting MmpL3, expanding the existing arsenal against TB.     

Studies on azotetrazolate based high nitrogen content high energy materials potential additives for rocket propellants

This paper reports the synthesis, characterisation and thermolysis studies of a series of azotetrazolate salts, viz., ammonium/guanidinium/triaminoguanidinium [azotetrazolate]. TG-DTA and DSC results of these compounds exhibited their thermal stability up to 180°C. DSC indicated the highest heat release (2804 J g^–1) for guanidinium azotetrazolate salt during exothermic decomposition. FTIR of the decomposition products of azotetrazolate salts showed bands at 3264 and 2358 cm^–1 which may be attributed to gaseous species such as NH₃ and HCN or NH₂CN. The sensitivity data suggests low vulnerability of ammonium and guanidinium salts. In cyclic voltammetric studies all the salts showed similar response in reduction reactions. Triamino guanidinium azotetrazolate (TAGAZ) was incorporated into solid propellant formulations in order to establish the compatibility of this class of compounds. DSC results revealed that it does not have adverse effect on thermal stability of double base matrix. The burning rate data obtained indicated that TAGAZ acts as an efficient energetic additive in composite modified double base (CMDB) propellant formulations in high-pressure region.The authors are grateful to Dr. Haridwar Singh, Outstanding Scientist and Director, HEMRL for constant encouragement to carry out this work. Authors also thankful to Dr. R. S. Satpute, Dr. A. N. Nazare and Dr. C. N. Divekar for their assistance in propellant processing.     

New thiophene derivatives as potential materials for non linear optics

A method of synthesis of unsymmetrical 2,5-diarylthiophenes is described using β-chloroacroleins, prepared from acetophenones, and their condensation with sodium sulfide and various benzyl bromides.     

Dinitromethyl,fluorodinitromethyl derivatives of RDX and HMX as high energy density materials: a computational study

Structural Chemistry - The development of high energy density materials (HEDMs) with balanced detonation energy and sensitivity is an urgent task in the current energetic material field. Here, by...     

Theoretical studies on tautomerism of tetrazole derivatives by polarisable continuum method (PCM)

Computational calculations at B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) level were employed in the study of the predominant tautomeric forms of 1-H and 2-H tetrazole derivatives (5-NO₂, 5-CF₃, 5-F, 5-H, 5-NH₂, 5-OH, 5-CH₃) in the gas phase and solution using PCM model. For electron withdrawing derivatives in the gas phase and solution 2-H forms are more stable and dominant form. For electron releasing groups in the gas phase and solution with low dielectric constants the 2-H form is more stable but in solvents with high dielectric constants 1-H isomer is dominant form. In addition variation of dipole moments and charges on atoms in the solvents are studied.     

Syntheses and studies of hydantoin derivatives as potential anti-tuberculosis inhibitors

A short and efficient synthesis of(Z)-2-substituted-5-(4-((2-substitued-5-oxoimidazolidin-4-ylidene)methyl)benzamido)ben-zoic acid derivatives(8a-g) as potential type of FabH inhibitors is described.Their structures were confirmed by MS,NOE and ~1H NMR.     

Computational studies on 3,5,7,10,12,14,15,16-octanitro-3,5,7,10,12,14,15,16-octaaza-pentacyclo[7.5.1.12,8.04,13.06,11]hexadecane as potential high-energy-density compound

The B3LYP/6-31G(d) method of density functional theory was used to study molecular geometry, electronic structure, infrared spectrum, and thermodynamic properties. Detonation properties were evaluated using Kamlet–Jacobs equations based on the calculated density and heat of formation. Thermal stability of 3,5,7,10,12,14,15,16-octanitro-3,5,7,10,12,14,15,16-octaaza-pentacyclo[7.5.1.1^2,8.0^4,13.0^6,11]hexadecane (cage-HMX) was investigated by calculating the bond dissociation energy at unrestricted B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The calculated results show that the first step of pyrolysis is the rupture of the N–NO₂ bond. The crystal structure obtained by molecular mechanics belongs to P2₁ space group, with lattice parameters a = 8.866 Å, b = 11.527 Å, c = 13.011 Å, Z = 4, and ρ = 2.219 g cm^?3. Both the detonation velocity of 9.79 km s^?1 and the detonation pressure of 45.45 GPa are better than those of CL-20. According to the quantitative standard of energetics and stability as a high-energy-density compound, cage-HMX essentially satisfies this requirement. These results provide basic information for molecular design of novel HEDCs.     

Computational analysis of amine-borane adducts as potential hydrogen storage materials with reversible hydrogen uptake

Amine-borane adducts are promising compounds for use in hydrogen storage applications, and the efficient catalytic release of hydrogen from these systems has been recently demonstrated. However, if hydrogen storage is to be of practical use, it is necessary that, once hydrogen has been removed from the material, it can be put back into the system to recharge the appliance. In order to develop such systems, we computationally screened a range of amine-borane adducts for their thermodynamic dehydrogenation properties. Structural trends, which lay the foundation for the possible design of amine-borane systems that exhibit reversible dihydrogen uptake, are established. We found that it is mainly the strengths of the dative bonds in both starting materials and products that govern the thermodynamic parameters of the dehydrogenation reactions. Thus, in general, electron-donating groups on nitrogen and electron-withdrawing groups on boron lead to more favorable systems. It is also possible to design promising systems whose thermodynamic parameters are a consequence of different steric strain in starting materials and products.     

Novel imidazole derivatives as potential agrochemicals: Synthetical and mechanistic studies

The importance of the imidazole nucleus is briefly outlined and some naturally occurring derivatives listed. The problem associated with direct alkylation on the imino nitrogen is discussed and synthesis of 1-alkyl derivatives by the thermal decarboxylation of 1-alkoxycarbonylimidazoles examined as a possible alternative. Spectroscopic investigation of this mechanism is reported. The fungal threat to plantains in the tropics by black siga-toka and the option of chemical control are discussed. Synthesis of potential fungicides are reported.     

Theoretical study on tetrazole and its derivatives (3) MP2 and thermodynamic calculations of amino derivatives of tetrazole

Fully optimized geometries and electronic structures of amino derivatives of tetrazole are obtained at MP2/6-31G* level. The tetrazole rings are planar and aromatic for all the amino derivatives of tetrazole. The amino group is not co-planar with the ring and its conformation is mainly determined by the lone pair electronic repulsion between the substituent and the ring. N(4) atom is more negatively charged and is the most probable coordination site. The energy gaps between LUMOs and HOMOs of 2H-aminotetrazoles and C-aminotetrazole neutrals are smaller than those of the corresponding 1H-isomers and N-aminotetrazole neutrals respectively. The IR frequencies, thermodynamic properties and temperature-dependent functions for heat capacities in the form (a bT cT2) in the 300-1000K range are reported.     

Cyclic diamines as potential high energy materials. Thermochemical properties of diaziridine, 1,2-diazetidine, and 1,3-diazetidine

As part of a series of investigations into unusual molecules of potential application to high-energy materials, we performed a series of calculations to determine the optimized structures, vibrational frequencies, and fundamental thermodynamic properties of three saturated cyclic molecules that have two nitrogen atoms: diaziridine 1,2-diazetidine and 1,3-diazetidine G2, G3, and two complete basis set methods were used.     

Ni-doped cobaltates as potential materials for high temperature solar thermoelectric converters

Thermoelectric properties of Ni substituted (La) cobaltate compounds with perovskite structure have been investigated. For all the studied compounds the Seebeck coefficient is positive indicating predominant positive charge carriers. The electrical resistivity decreases considerably with increasing Ni content and with increasing temperature. The thermoelectric power factor was enhanced to 2.7 × 10⁻⁴ W/K² m for samples with 10% Ni content at room temperature. The submicrograin morphology of the powders leads to a reduction of the thermal conductivity.     

Light-emitting carbazole derivatives: potential electroluminescent materials

Stable carbazole derivatives that contain peripheral diarylamines at the 3- and 6-positions and an ethyl or aryl substituent at the 9-position of the carbazole moiety have been synthesized via palladium-catalyzed C-N bond formation. These new carbazole compounds (carbs) are amorphous with high glass transition temperatures (T(g), 120-194 degrees C) and high thermal decomposition temperatures (T(d) > 450 degrees C). The compounds are weakly to moderately luminescent in nature. The emission wavelength ranges from green to blue and is dependent on the substituent at the peripheral nitrogen atoms. Two types of light-emitting diodes were constructed from carb: (I) ITO/carb/TPBI/Mg:Ag and (II) ITO/carb/Alq(3)/Mg:Ag, where TPBI and Alq(3) are 1,3,5-tris(N-phenylbenzimidazol-2-yl)benzene and tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum, respectively. In type I devices, the carb functions as the hole-transporting as well as emitting material. In type II devices, either carb, or Alq(3) is the light-emitting material. Several green light-emitting devices exhibit exceptional maximum brightness, and the physical performance appears to be better than those of typical green light-emitting devices of the structure ITO/diamine/Alq(3)/Mg:Ag. The relation between the LUMO of the carb and the performance of the light-emitting diode is discussed.