Energetic properties and impact sensitivity of crystalline explosives

The impact sensitivity of some groups of nitrates and cubane derivatives has been correlated with their heat of explosion and chemical structure. These correlations show the ways of reducing explosion hazard in handling these compounds. It is currently impossible to construct a reference series of compounds that would allow explosives with preset sensitivity to be synthesized on the basis of a preliminary energetic prediction. New opportunities to enhance safety in handling explosives can be provided by investigating their detonation ability.