Synthesis and Characterization of Salts of the 3,6‐Dinitro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐b][1,2,4]triazolate Anion: Insensitive Energetic Materials Available From Economical Precursors

In this work, the treatment of 3,6,7‐triamino‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐b][1,2,4]triazole (TATOT)^[1] with sulfuric acid and sodium nitrite results in elimination of the N‐amine and the formation of the new energetic anion 3,6‐dinitro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐b][1,2,4]triazolate (DNTT) via nitro‐Sandmeyer chemistry. This new energetic anion is available in a convenient and inexpensive three‐step process from inexpensive commercial starting materials. Several nitrogen rich salts of this material have been prepared and their chemical (infrared, Raman, NMR, single‐crystal X‐ray) and energetic (impact, friction, thermal) properties determined. As a rule, this class of energetic salts are insensitive energetic materials.