Comparative Study of Trifunctionalization for Enhanced Energy and Thermal Stability in Zwitterionic Fused Triazole Skeletons

In this work, two energetic compounds 5-(3-iminio-6-nitro-3H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazol-2(7H)-yl)tetrazol-1-ide (TT) and 3-nitro-7-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-7H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazol-6-amine (FT) were successfully synthesized from the same compound 3,6,7-triamino-7H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazolium (TATOT). Both compounds contain three explosophores, amino, nitro, and tetrazole, on the fused ring. Through different functional group arrangements, TT possesses higher density and good thermal stability. FT exhibits a low sensitivity to mechanical stimulation. Both compounds show promising energetic performance properties.

Intramolecular Cyclization and Energetic Group Modifications for Thermally Stable and Low-Sensitivity Monocyclic Dinitromethyl Zwitterionic Pyrazoles

Zwitterionic energetic materials offer a unique combination of high performance and stability, yet their synthesis and stability enhancement remain key challenges. In this study, we report the synthesis of a highly stable (dinitromethyl-functionalized zwitterionic compound, 1-(amino(iminio)methyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)dinitromethanide (4), with a thermal decomposition temperature of 215 °C, surpassing that of most previously reported energetic monocyclic zwitterions (Td < 150 °C). This compound was synthesized via intramolecular cyclization of a trinitromethyl-functionalized hydrazone precursor. Further chemical modifications, including nitration and fluorination, enabled zwitterion-to-zwitterion transformations, resulting in the formation of nitramines 10 and 12. Additionally, the perchlorate salt (8) of 4 was synthesized, along with ammonium (13), guanidinium (14), and potassium (15) salts derived from 10, all retaining zwitterionic properties. Physicochemical evaluations reveal that zwitterion 12 exhibits excellent thermal stability (Td = 181 °C) and an optimal balance between high energy output (detonation velocity: 8329 m s-1, detonation pressure: 29.4 GPa) and reduced sensitivity (impact sensitivity: 35 J, friction sensitivity: 320 N). Notably, potassium salt 15 demonstrates superior thermal stability (Td = 233 °C), exceeding that of RDX. These results expand the design framework for energetic zwitterions and contribute to the development of high-energy, low-sensitivity energetic materials.

High-Energetic Salts and Metal Complexes: Comprehensive Overview with a Focus on Use in Homemade Explosives (HME)

Metal-containing compounds form a large and rapidly expanding group of high-energy materials. Many compounds in this class attract the attention of non-professionals, who may attempt the illegal production of explosives. Several of these substances have been commercially available and pose significant danger if used by terrorists or for criminal purposes. Others are experimental compounds, kinds of curiosities, often created by pyrotechnics enthusiasts, which can present serious risks to both the creators and their immediate surroundings. The internet hosts a vast amount of information, including recipes and discussions on forums, private websites, social media, and more. This paper aims to review the variety of metal-containing explosives and discuss their appeal and potential accessibility to unauthorized individuals.

Systematic Synthesis of Thermally Stable Zwitterionic Energetic Materials Based on 4-Hydroxy-3,5-dinitropyrazole

4-Hydroxy-3,5-dinitropyrazole (HODNP) was investigated as a precursor for synthesizing two thermally stable, insensitive zwitterionic energetic materials. The ability of the hydroxy functionality to carry negative charge was leveraged and further covalently bonded with two positively charged moieties (3,4-diamino-1,2,4-triazole and acetimidamide) via N-functionalization to form zwitterions 2 and 3. Structural characterization and a study of the energetic performance were carried out. The zwitterionic nature of compound 3 was confirmed by single-crystal analysis.

Zwitterionic Energetic Materials: Synthesis, Structural Diversity and Energetic Properties

Zwitterionic compounds are an emergent class of energetic materials and have gained synthetic interest of many in the recent years. Due to their better packing efficiencies and strong inter/intramolecular electrostatic interactions, they often ensue superior energetic properties than their salt analogues. A systematic review from the perspective of design, synthesis, and physicochemical properties evaluation of the zwitterionic energetic materials is presented. Depending on the parent ring(s) used for the synthesis and the type of moieties bearing positive and negative charges, different classes of energetic materials, such as primary explosives, secondary explosives, heat resistant explosives, oxidizers, etc., may result. The properties of some of the energetic zwitterionic compounds are also compared with analogous energetic salts. This review will encourage readers to explore the possibility of designing new zwitterionic energetic materials.

Crystal engineering of high explosives through lone pair-π interactions: Insights for improving thermal safety

In this high-risk/high-reward study, we prepared complexes of a high explosive anion (picrate) with potentially explosive s-tetrazine-based ligands with the sole purpose of advancing the understanding of one of the weakest supramolecular forces: the lone pair-π interaction. This is a proof-of-concept study showing how lone pair-π contacts can be effectively used in crystal engineering, even of high explosives, and how the supramolecular architecture of the resulting crystalline phases influences their experimental thermokinetic properties. Herein we present XRD structures of 4 novel detonating compounds, all showcasing lone pair-π interactions, their thermal characterization (DSC, TGA), including the correlation of experimental thermokinetic parameters with crystal packing, and in silico explosion properties. This last aspect is relevant for improving the safety of high-energy materials.

High-performing, insensitive and thermally stable energetic materials from zwitterionic gem-dinitromethyl substituted C-C bonded 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-oxadiazole

A series of gem-dinitromethyl substituted zwitterionic C-C bonded azole based energetic materials (3-8) were designed, synthesized, and characterized through NMR, IR, EA, and DSC studies. Further, the structure of 5 was confirmed with SCXRD and those of 6 and 8 with ¹⁵N NMR. All the newly synthesized energetic molecules exhibited higher density, good thermal stability, excellent detonation performance, and low mechanical sensitivity to external stimuli such as impact and friction. Among all, compounds 6 and 7 may serve as ideal secondary high energy density materials due to their remarkable thermal decomposition (200 °C and 186 °C), insensitivity to impact (>30 J), velocity of detonation (9248 m s^-1 and 8861 m s^-1) and pressure (32.7 GPa and 32.1 GPa). Additionally, the melting and decomposition temperatures of 3 (T_m = 92 °C, T_d = 242 °C) indicate that it can be used as a melt-cast explosive. The novelty, synthetic feasibility, and energetic performance of all the molecules suggest that they can be used as potential secondary explosives in defence and civilian fields.

Nitrogen-rich polycyclic pentazolate salts as promising energetic materials: theoretical investigating

Pentazolate (cyclo-N₅^-) salts are nitrogen-rich compounds with great development potential as energetic materials due to their full nitrogen anion. However, the densities of available N₅^- salts are generally low, which seriously lowers their performances. It is necessary to screen out cyclo-N₅^- salts with high density. To this end, eight new non-metallic cyclo-N₅^- salts based on fused heterocycle were designed. -NH₂, -NO₂, and -O^- groups were introduced into the compounds to adjust and improve the detonation performance and impact sensitivity of cyclo-N₅^- salts. By theoretical calculations and Hirshfeld surface analyses, the densities, heats of formation, detonation performance, sensitivities, and crystal structures of the title compounds were predicted, and the contribution of hydrogen bond as well as π-π stacking to the stability of cyclo-N₅^- salt was revealed. The results indicate that the densities of title compounds are higher than 1.85 g cm^‒3, and the sensitivities of these compounds are predicted to be lower than that of HMX. The detonation properties of a (D = 9.47 km s^-1, P = 41.21 GPa) and d (D = 9.44 km s^-1, P = 40.26 GPa) are better than those of HMX. These mean that using fused ring as a cation and introducing proper substituents are an effective method to improve cyclo-N₅^- salt's density and balance the detonation performance and sensitivity.

From Nitro- to Heterocycle-Functionalized 1,2,4-Triazol-3-one Derivatives: Achieving High-Performance Insensitive Energetic Compounds

5-Nitro-1,2,4-triazol-3-one, a nitro-functionalized 1,2,4-triazol-3-one (TO) derivative, shows excellent energetic properties and promising application potential. However, the use of the TO skeleton as an energetic material is still largely underexplored both theoretically and practically. We report here a mild and efficient method for obtaining the TO skeleton via a reaction of aminocarbohydrazide with BrCN. Two energetic compounds (2 and 5) were synthesized and fully characterized by ¹⁵N nuclear magnetic resonance, two-dimensional ¹H-¹⁵N heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The reaction mechanism was also studied with the aid of quantum calculations. Compound 2 shows promising properties as a high-performance insensitive energetic material.

Boosting intermolecular interactions of fused cyclic explosives: the way to thermostable and insensitive energetic materials with high density

Improving the packing efficiency of explosives by strong intermolecular interactions can acquire high density while avoiding the expense of stability.

Tricyclic nitrogen-rich explosives with a planar backbone: bis(1,2,4-triazolyl)-1,2,3-triazoles as potential stable green gas generants

Planar tricyclic energetic compounds with good energetic performance, thermal stability and gas production capacity were synthesized based on 1,2,3-triazole.

3-Methyl-1,2,3-triazolium-1N-dinitromethylylide and the strategy of zwitterionic dinitromethyl groups in energetic materials design

3-Methyl-1,2,3-triazolium-1N-dinitromethylylide, an exemplary zwitterionic energetic molecule, is the first fully-studied energetic material making use of the zwitterionic dinitromethyl functional group. This compound has impact and friction sensitivities of 8 J and 144–160 N respectively with a detonation velocity of 8162 m s⁻¹.

Fully characterized energetic material containing a unique zwitterionic dinitromethyl functional group.

3-R-4-(5-Methyleneazide-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)furazan and its ionic salts as low-sensitivity and high-detonation energetic materials

3-R-4-(5-Methyleneazide-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)furazan compounds as low-sensitivity and high-detonation energetic materials.

Derivatives of 3,6-Bis(3-aminofurazan-4-ylamino)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine: Excellent Energetic Properties with Lower Sensitivities

To find a balance between energy and safety, a series of compounds based on azo-, azoxy-, 1,4,2,5-dioxadiazene-, and 3,6-diamino-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-bridged bis(aminofurazan) were designed and synthesized. These compounds were analyzed by nitro group charges (Q_nitro) and bond dissociation energy (BDE) calculations, which are related to sensitivity and stability. Based on the calculated results, derivatives of 3,6-bis(3-aminofurazan-4-ylamino)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine have the largest values for -Q_nitro and BDE of all of the bis(aminofurazan) compounds. This shows that compounds based on 3,6-bis(3-aminofurazan-4-ylamino)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine have the lowest sensitivities and best stabilities, which has been substantiated by experiments. Additionally, their explosive properties remain essentially competitive with compounds based on azo-, azoxy-, and 1,4,2,5-dioxadiazene-bridged bis(aminofurazan). Hirshfeld surface calculations were also performed to better understand the relationship between the molecular structure and stability/sensitivity. This work highlights the value of 3,6-diamino-1,2,4,5-tetrazine as a linker to achieve good balance between safety and energy.

gem-Dinitromethyl-Functionalized 5-Amino-1,3,4-oxadiazolate Derivatives: Alternate Route, Characterization, and Property Analysis

A new, safer, and more cost-effective methodology to synthesize salts based on gem-dinitromethyl-functionalized 5-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazolate is given. Cyclization, deprotection, nitration, and neutralization reactions were conducted to obtain products in high yield. All compounds were fully characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Crystal structure analysis, property tests, and theoretical calculations confirm good detonation performance and high mechanical stabilities of the salts.

Properties and Promise of Catenated Nitrogen Systems As High-Energy-Density Materials

The properties of catenated nitrogen molecules, molecules containing internal chains of bonded nitrogen atoms, is of fundamental scientific interest in chemical structure and bonding, as nitrogen is uniquely situated in the periodic table to form kinetically stable compounds often with chemically stable N-N bonds but which are thermodynamically unstable in that the formation of stable multiply bonded N₂ is usually thermodynamically preferable. This unique placement in the periodic table makes catenated nitrogen compounds of interest for development of high-energy-density materials, including explosives for defense and construction purposes, as well as propellants for missile propulsion and for space exploration. This review, designed for a chemical audience, describes foundational subjects, methods, and metrics relevant to the energetic materials community and provides an overview of important classes of catenated nitrogen compounds ranging from theoretical investigation of hypothetical molecules to the practical application of real-world energetic materials. The review is intended to provide detailed chemical insight into the synthesis and decomposition of such materials as well as foundational knowledge of energetic science new to most chemists.

Modification of crystalline energetic salts through polymorphic transition: enhanced crystal density and energy performance

We presented a detailed investigation of polymorphic transition of energetic salts and explored a new path for modifying crystalline energetic salts.