1,5-Di(nitramino)tetrazole: High Sensitivity and Superior Explosive Performance

Abstract

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.