The Facile Synthesis and Energetic Properties of an Energetic Furoxan Lacking Traditional “Explosophore” Moieties: (E,E)‐3,4‐bis(oximomethyl)furoxan (DPX1)

Energetic furoxan (E,E)‐3,4‐bis(oximomethyl)furoxan (DPX1) was synthesized in 75 % yield, using a literature procedure, from a precursor readily available in one step from nitromethane. DPX1 was characterized for the first time as an energetic material in terms of calculated performance (V_det = 8245 m s⁻¹; p_C‐J = 29.0 GPa) and measured sensitivity (impact: 10 J; friction: 192 N; T_dec: 168 °C). DPX1 exhibits a sensitivity less than that of RDX, and a performance significantly higher than 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT).     

A DFT Study on the Structures and Energies of Isomers of 4‐Amino‐1,3‐dinitro‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one‐2‐oxide: New High Energy Density Compounds

Isomers of 4‐amino‐1,3‐dinitrotriazol‐5‐one‐2‐oxide (ADNTONO) are of interest in the contest of insensitive explosives and were found to have true local energy minima at the DFT‐B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level. The optimized structures, vibrational frequencies and thermodynamic values for triazol‐5‐one N‐oxides were obtained in their ground state. Kamlet‐Jacob equations were used to evaluate the performance properties. The detonation properties of ADNTONO (D=10.15 to 10.46 km s⁻¹, P=50.86 to 54.25 GPa) are higher compared with those of 1,1‐diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethylene (D=8.87 km s⁻¹, P=32.75 GPa), 5‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐one (D=8.56 km s⁻¹, P=31.12 GPa), 1,2,4,5‐tetrazine‐3,6‐diamine‐1,4‐dioxide (D=8.78 km s⁻¹, P=31.0 GPa), 1‐amino‐3,4,5‐trinitropyrazole (D=9.31 km s⁻¹, P=40.13 GPa), 4,4′‐dinitro‐3,3′‐bifurazan (D=8.80 km s⁻¹, P=35.60 GPa) and 3,4‐bis(3‐nitrofurazan‐4‐yl)furoxan (D=9.25 km s⁻¹, P=39.54 GPa). The  NH₂ group(s) appears to be particularly promising area for investigation since it may lead to two desirable consequences of higher stability (insensitivity), higher density, and thus detonation velocity and pressure.     

Investigation on the Thermal Expansion and Theoretical Density of 1,3,5‐Trinitro‐1,3,5‐Triazacyclohexane

The CTE and the theoretical density are important properties for energetic materials. To obtain the CTE and the theoretical density of 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazacyclohexane (RDX), XRD, and Rietveld refinement are employed to estimate the dimensional changes, within the temperature range from 30 to 170 °C. The CTE of a, b, c axis and volume are obtained as 3.07×10⁻⁵ K⁻¹, 8.28×10⁻⁵ K⁻¹, 9.19×10⁻⁵ K⁻¹, and 20.7×10⁻⁵ K⁻¹, respectively. Calculated from the refined cell parameters, the theoretical density at the given temperature can be obtained. The theoretical density at 20 °C (1.7994 g cm⁻³) is in close match with the RDX single‐crystal density (1.7990 g cm⁻³) measured by density gradient method. It is suggested that the CTE measured by XRD could perfectly meet with the thermal expansion of RDX.     

Study on the Azido‐Tetrazolo Tautomerizations of 3,6‐Bis(azido)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine

The azido‐tetrazolo tautomerizations of 3,6‐diazido‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (DIAT) in different solvents were investigated with HPLC and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. 6‐Amino‐tetrazolo[1,5‐b]‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (ATTZ) was irreversibly formed as the final product by azido‐cyclization following N₂ elimination from one of the azido substituents at room temperature in DMSO. The structure of ATTZ was characterized by X‐ray crystallography; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mass spectrometry, as well as IR and ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The crystal density was found to be 1.272 g cm⁻³. DSC result suggested that ATTZ with the melting point of 84 °C strongly decomposes with explosion at 198 °C, which can be regarded as a primary explosive.     

Superbase‐Catalyzed [4+2] Cycloaddition of Acetylenes to 3,6‐Di(pyrrol‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine: A Facile Synthesis of 3,6‐Di(pyrrol‐2‐yl)pyridazines

Acetylenes undergo the [4+2] cycloaddition to 3,6‐di(pyrrol‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine in the potassium hydroxide/dimethyl sulfoxide or potassium tert‐butoxide/dimethyl sulfoxide systems (80 °C, 2.5–4 h) to afford (after extrusion of the nitrogen molecule from the intermediate) 3,6‐di(pyrrol‐2‐yl)pyridazines in up to 73% yield, while under non‐catalytic conditions this reaction does not take place. This unusual result substantially extends the scope of synthetic application and mechanistic diversity of the Diels–Alder reaction. The step‐wise mechanisms involving the formation of [OH/tetrazine]⁻ or [t‐BuO/tetrazine]⁻ anionic intermediate complexes or cycloaddition of tetrazine to the acetylide anion are considered.     

The β‐δ‐Phase Transition and Thermal Expansion of Octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐Tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐Tetrazocine

Phase behavior of octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine (HMX) is investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). The XRD patterns at elevated temperature show that there is a co‐existing temperature range of β‐ and δ‐phase during the phase transition process. Additionally, mechanical forces can catalyze the conversion from δ‐ back to β‐phase. Based on the diffraction patterns of β‐ and δ‐phase at different temperatures, we calculate the coefficients of thermal expansion by Rietveld refinement. For β‐HMX, the linear coefficients of thermal expansion of a‐axis and b‐axis are about 1.37×10⁻⁵ and 1.25×10⁻⁴ °C⁻¹. A slight decrease in c‐axis with temperature is also observed, and the value is about −0.63×10⁻⁵ °C⁻¹. The volume coefficient of thermal expansion is about 1.60×10⁻⁴ °C⁻¹, with a 2.2% change from 30 to 170 °C. For δ‐HMX, the linear coefficients of thermal expansion of a‐axis and c‐axis are found to be 5.39×10⁻⁵ and 2.38×10⁻⁵ °C⁻¹, respectively. The volume coefficient of thermal expansion is about 1.33×10⁻⁴ °C⁻¹, with a 2.6% change from 30 to 230 °C. The results indicate that β‐HMX has a similar volume coefficient of thermal expansion compared with δ‐HMX, and there is about 10.5% expansion from β‐HMX at 30 °C to δ‐HMX at 230 °C, of which about 7% may be attributed to the reconstructive transition.     

Characterization of 4,6‐Diazido‐N‐nitro‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2‐amine

4,6‐Diazido‐N‐nitro‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2‐amine (DANT) was prepared with a 35 % yield from cyanuric chloride in a three step process. DANT was characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N), single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and DTA. The crystal density of DANT is 1.849 g cm⁻³. The cyclization of one azido group and one nitrogen atom of the triazine group giving tetrazole was observed for DANT in a dimethyl sulfoxide solution using NMR spectroscopy. An equilibrium exists between the original DANT molecule and its cyclic form at a ratio of 7 : 3. The sensitivity of DANT to impact is between that for PETN and RDX, sensitivity to friction is between that for lead azide and PETN, and sensitivity to electric discharge is about the same as for PETN. DANT′s heat of combustion is 2060 kJ mol⁻¹.     

Thermal Decomposition,Kinetics and Compatibility Studies of Poly(3‐difluoroaminomethyl‐3‐methyloxetane) (PDFAMO)

The thermal decomposition of poly(3‐difluoroaminomethyl‐3‐methyloxetane) (PDFAMO) with an average molecular weight of about 6000 was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The kinetics of thermolysis were studied by a model‐free method. The thermal decomposition of PDFAMO occurred in a two‐stage process. The first stage was mainly due to elimination of HF and had an activation energy of 110–120 kJ mol⁻¹. The second stage was due to degradation of the polymer chain. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the degradation residues showed that the difluoroamino groups decomposed in a two‐step HF loss at different temperatures. The remaining monofluoroimino groups produced by the incomplete elimination of HF were responsible for the two‐stage thermolysis process. The compatibility of PDFAMO with some energetic components and inert materials used in polymer‐bonded explosives (PBXs) and solid propellants was studied by DSC. It was concluded that the binary systems of PDFAMO with cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX), 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), 2,4‐dinitroanisole (DNAN), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), ammonium perchlorate (AP), aluminum powder (Al), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and 1,3‐diethyl‐1,3‐diphenyl urea (C₁) were compatible, whereas the systems of PDFAMO with lead carbonate (PbCO₃) and 2‐nitrodiphenylamine (NDPA) were slightly sensitized. The systems with cyclotetramethylenetetranitroamine (HMX), hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20), 3‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one (NTO), ammonium nitrate (AN), magnesium powder (Mg), boron powder (B), carbon black (C. B.), diphenylamine (DPA), and p‐nitro‐N‐methylamine (PNMA) were incompatible. The results of compatibility studies fully supported the suggested thermal decomposition mechanism of PDFAMO.     

Structural and Preliminary Explosive Property Characterizations of New 3,4,5‐Triamino‐1,2,4‐triazolium (Guanazinium) Salts

Two new highly stable energetic salts were synthesized in reasonable yield by using the high nitrogen‐content heterocycle 3,4,5‐triamino‐1,2,4‐triazole and resulting in its picrate and azotetrazolate salts. 3,4,5‐Triamino‐1,2,4‐triazolium picrate (1) and bis(3,4,5‐triamino‐1,2,4‐triazolium) 5,5′‐azotetrazolate (2) were characterized analytically and spectroscopically. X‐ray diffraction studies revealed that protonation takes place on the nitrogen N1 (crystallographically labelled as N2). The sensitivity of the compounds to shock and friction was also determined by standard BAM tests revealing a low sensitivity for both. B3LYP/6–31G(d, p) density functional (DFT) calculations were carried out to determine the enthalpy of combustion (Δ_cH (1) =−3737.8 kJ mol⁻¹, Δ_cH (2) =−4577.8 kJ mol⁻¹) and the standard enthalpy of formation (Δ_fH° (1) =−498.3 kJ mol⁻¹, (Δ_fH° (2) =+524.2 kJ mol⁻¹). The detonation pressures (P (1) =189×10⁸ Pa, P (2) =199×10⁸ Pa) and detonation velocities (D (1) =7015 m s⁻¹, D (2) =7683 m s⁻¹) were calculated using the program EXPLO5.     

Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of BaFe1−xCuxO3−δ Perovskite Oxide for IT‐SOFC Cathode

A series of iron‐based perovskite oxides BaFe_1−xCu_xO_3−δ (x = 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25, abbreviated as BFC‐10, BFC‐15, BFC‐20 and BFC‐25, respectively) as cathode materials have been prepared via a combined EDTA‐citrate complexing sol‐gel method. The effects of Cu contents on the crystal structure, chemical stability, electrical conductivity, thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) and electrochemical properties of BFC‐x materials have been studied. All the BFC‐x samples exhibit the cubic phase with a space group Pm3m (221). The electrical conductivity decreases with increasing Cu content. The maximum electrical conductivity is 60.9 ± 0.9 S cm⁻¹ for BFC‐20 at 600 °C. Substitution of Fe by Cu increases the thermal expansion coefficient. The average TEC increases from 20.6 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ for BFC‐10 to 23.7 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ for BFC‐25 at the temperature range of 30–850 °C. Among the samples, BFC‐20 shows the best electrochemical performance. The area specific resistance (ASR) of BFC‐20 on SDC electrolyte is 0.014 Ω cm² at 800 °C. The single fuel cell with the configguration of BFC‐20/SDC/NiO‐SDC delivers the highest power density of 0.57 W cm⁻² at 800 °C. The favorable electrochemical activities can be attributed to the cubic lattice structure and the high oxygen vacancy concentration caused by Cu doping.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Thermal Behavior of 3‐(4‐Aminofurazan‐3‐yl)‐4‐(4‐nitrofurazan‐3‐yl)furazan (ANTF)

The energetic material 3‐(4‐aminofurazan‐3‐yl)‐4‐(4‐nitrofurazan‐3‐yl)furazan (ANTF) with low melting‐point was synthesized by means of an improved oxidation reaction from 3,4‐bis(4′‐aminofurazano‐3′‐yl)furazan. The structure of ANTF was confirmed by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and the crystal structure was determined by X‐ray diffraction. ANTF crystallized in monoclinic system P2₁/c, with a crystal density of 1.785 g cm⁻³ and crystal parameters a=6.6226(9) Å, b=26.294(2) Å, c=6.5394(8) Å, β=119.545(17)°, V=0.9907(2) nm³, Z=4, μ=0.157 mm⁻¹, F(000)=536. The thermal stability and non‐isothermal kinetics of ANTF were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) with heating rates of 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 K min⁻¹. The apparent activation energy (E_a) of ANTF calculated by Kissinger's equation and Ozawa's equation were 115.9 kJ mol⁻¹ and 112.6 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively, with the pre‐exponential factor lnA=21.7 s⁻¹. ANTF is a potential candidate for the melt‐cast explosive with good thermal stability and detonation performance.     

Combustion Effects of Nitrofulleropyrrolidine on RDX‐CMDB Propellants

The effect of N‐methyl‐2‐(3‐nitrophenyl)pyrrolidino[3′,4′:1,2]fullerene (mNPF) on the decomposition characteristics of hexogen (RDX) was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results show that mNPF can accelerate the decomposition of RDX, the peak temperature (T_p) of the exothermal decomposition is reduced by 6.4 K, and the corresponding apparent activation energy (E_a) is decreased by 8.7 kJ mol⁻¹. N‐methyl‐2‐(3‐nitrophenyl)pyrrolidino[3′,4′:1,2]fullerene (mNPF), carbon black (CB), and C₆₀ were used as combustion catalysts to improve the combustion performance of a composite modified double‐base propellant containing RDX (RDX‐CMDB). The burning rate experimental results show that mNPF has a stronger catalytic effect than C₆₀ and CB. The magnitude of the effect of the three carbon substances on the enhancement of the burning rate is as follows: mNPF>C₆₀>CB. The catalytic effects of different contents of mNPF on the burning rates of RDX‐CMDB propellants were also studied, and the results show that the burning rates of RDX‐CMDB propellants are improved with increasing mNPF content. The plateau burning rate of a RDX‐CMDB propellant can be increased to 19.6 mm s⁻¹ when 1.0 % mNPF is added, and the corresponding plateau combustion region occurs at 8–22 MPa.     

5‐Amino‐3,4‐dinitropyrazole as a Promising Energetic Material

The nitrogen‐rich energetic compound 5‐amino‐3,4‐dinitropyrazole (5‐ADP) was investigated using complementary experimental techniques. X‐ray diffraction indicates the strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding in 5‐ADP crystals. Compound exhibits low impact sensitivity (23 J) and insensitivity to friction. The activation energy of thermolysis determined to be 230±5 kJ mol⁻¹ from DSC measurements. Accelerating rate calorimetry indicates the lower thermal stability (173 °C) of 5‐ADP than that of RDX, which is probably the main concern about using this compound. 5‐ADP also exhibits good compatibility with common energetic materials (viz. TNT, RDX, ammonium perchlorate), including an active binder. The burning rate of 5‐ADP monopropellant is higher than that of benchmark HMX, while the pressure exponent 0.51±0.04 is surprisingly low. Addition of ammonium perchlorate does not affect the pressure exponent of 5‐ADP, while the burning rate increases. The 5‐amino‐3,4‐dinitropyrazole exhibits a notable combination of combustion performance, low sensitivity, and good compatibility, which renders it as a promising energetic material.     

Silver Salt of 4,6‐Diazido‐N‐nitro‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2‐amine – Characterization of this Primary Explosive

A new primary explosive, the silver salt of 4,6‐diazido‐N‐nitro‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2‐amine (AgDANT), was synthesized and characterized. AgDANT was prepared with a 97 % yield and characterized by IR spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and DTA. The crystal density of AgDANT is 2.530 g cm⁻³ and the molecule consists of a centro‐symmetric dimer with a high degree of planarity. The intramolecular Ag Ag distance is relatively low (331 pm) and can be considered as a strong argentophilic interaction. AgDANT is non‐hygroscopic and its solubility in water (1.27 mg in 100 mL at 23 °C) is on a similar level of solubility to that of silver azide. The sensitivity of AgDANT to impact is slightly higher than that for MF, sensitivity to friction is the same as for LA, and sensitivity to electric discharge is between that for LS and MF. Initiation efficiency of AgDANT was tested in electric detonators and compared to dextrinated lead azide (initiation efficiency of AgDANT is 40 mg for PETN secondary charge). The thermal resistance of detonators with AgDANT is satisfactory; all detonators were fully functional after exposure at 65 °C (30 d) and 85 °C (2 d).     

A New Energetic Salt Semicarbazide 5‐Dinitromethyltetrazolate: A Promising Explosive Alternative

The design and synthesis of new environmentally friendly energetic materials with excellent performance and reliable safety have received considerable attention. A new energetic salt of semicarbazide 5‐dinitromethyltetrazolate (SCZ ⋅ DNMZ) was synthesized by using semicarbazide and 5‐dinitromethyltetrazolate (DNMZ) as raw materials, and fully characterized by using elemental analysis, FT‐IR spectroscopy, ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹⁵N nmR and mass spectrometry. The monocrystal of the salt was obtained and the structure was determined by X‐ray single‐crystal diffractometer. Results show that it belongs to monoclinic space group P 2₁/c with a high density of 1.867 g cm⁻³. The thermal decomposition behavior was tested by DSC and TG‐DTG technologies; the non‐isothermal kinetic parameters for the salt were calculated. The enthalpy of formation for the salt is directly dependent on the combustion heats data with a result of 341.5 kJ mol⁻¹, which is about three times higher than that of RDX. The detonation pressure (P ) and detonation velocitiy (D ) of the salt were determined as 8931 m s⁻¹ and 36.2 GPa, which are also higher than that of RDX. The impact sensitivity was tested with a result of 10.8 J. We can draw a safe conclusion that the salt has provided a promising future by using as a kind of explosive alternative. The discovery also contributes significantly to the expansion and application of the N‐heterocyclic compounds applied as energetic materials.     

Synthesis of soluble and thermally stable polyimides from 3,5‐diamino‐N‐(4‐(8‐quinolinoxy) phenyl) aniline and various dianhydrides

Three novel polyimides (PIs) having pendent 4‐(quinolin‐8‐yloxy) aniline group were prepared by polycondensation of a new diamine with commercially available tetracarboxylic dianhydrides, such as pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, and bicyclo[2.2.2]‐oct‐7‐ene‐2,3,5,6‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride. These PIs were characterized by FTIR, ¹H NMR, and elemental analysis; they had high yields with inherent viscosities in the range of 0.4–0.5 dl g⁻¹, and exhibited excellent solubility in many organic solvents such as N,N‐dimethyl acetamide, N,N′‐dimethyl formamide, N‐methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethyl sulfoxide, and pyridine. These PIs exhibited glass transition temperatures (T_g) between 250 and 325° C. Their initial decomposition temperatures (T_i) ranged between 270 and 450°C, and 10% weight loss temperature (T₁₀) up to 500°C with 68% char yield at 600°C under nitrogen atmosphere. Transparent and hard polymer films were obtained via casting from their NMP solutions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Synthesis and properties of polyamides based on 5,5′‐bis[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]‐hexahydro‐4,7‐methanoindan

A new diamine 5,5′‐bis[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]‐hexahydro‐4,7‐methanoindan ( 3 ) was prepared through the nucleophilic displacement of 5,5′‐bis(4‐hydroxylphenyl)‐hexahydro‐4,7‐methanoindan ( 1 ) with p‐halonitrobenzene in the presence of K₂CO₃ in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), followed by catalytic reduction with hydrazine and Pd/C in ethanol. A series of new polyamides were synthesized by the direct polycondensation of diamine 3 with various aromatic dicarboxylic acids. The polymers were obtained in quantitative yields with inherent viscosities of 0.76–1.02 dl g⁻¹. All the polymers were soluble in aprotic dipolar solvents such as N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP), and could be solution cast into transparent, flexible and tough films. The glass transition temperatures of the polyamides were in the range 245–282 °C; their 10% weight loss temperatures were above 468 °C in nitrogen and above 465 °C in air. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Highly Active and Enantioselective Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric 1,4‐Addition of Arylboronic Acid to α,β‐ Unsaturated Ketone by using Electron‐Poor MeO‐F12‐BIPHEP

The asymmetric 1,4‐addition of phenylboronic acid to cyclohexenone were performed by using a low amount of rhodium/(R)‐(6,6′‐dimethoxybiphenyl‐2,2′‐diyl)bis[bis(3,4,5‐trifluorophenyl)phosphine] (MeO‐F₁₂‐BIPHEP) catalyst. Because the catalyst shows thermal resistance at 100 °C, up to 0.00025 mol% Rh catalyst showed good catalytic activity. The highest turnover frequency (TOF) and turnover number (TON) observed were 53,000 h⁻¹ and 320,000, respectively. The enantioselectivities of the products were maintained at a high level of 98% ee in these reactions. The Eyring plots gave the following kinetic parameters (ΔΔH^≠=−4.0±0.1 kcal mol⁻¹ and ΔΔS^≠=−1.3±0.3 cal mol⁻¹ K⁻¹), indicating that the entropy contribution is relatively small. Both the result and consideration of the transition state in the insertion step at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) [LANL2DZ for rhodium] levels indicated that the less σ‐donating electron‐poor (R)‐MeO‐F₁₂‐BIPHEP could be creating a rigid chiral environment around the rhodium catalyst even at high temperature.     

Reaction kinetics of dicyclohexylmethane‐4,4′‐diisocyanate with 1‐ and 2‐butanol: A model study for polyurethane formation

Reactions of dicyclohexylmethane‐4,4′‐diisocyanate (H₁₂MDI) with 1‐ or 2‐butanol in N,N‐dimethylformamide using dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL), stannous octoate (SnOct), or triethylamine (TEA) as catalyst were conducted in stirred reactors at 40°C. Reactor contents were circulated through an external loop containing a temperature‐controlled FTIR transmission cell; reaction progress was monitored by observing decrease in height of the isocyanate peak at 2266 cm⁻¹. Catalyzed reactions were second order as indicated by linear 1/[NCO] plots; uncatalyzed reactions yielded nonlinear plots. In all cases, the reaction with a primary alcohol was faster than that with a secondary alcohol. DBTDL dramatically increased the reaction rate with both primary and secondary alcohols. For [DBTDL] = 5.3 × 10⁻⁵ mol/L (300 ppm Sn) the second‐order rate constant, k, was 5.9 × 10⁻⁴ (primary OH) and 1.8 × 10⁻⁴ L/(mol s) (secondary OH); for both alcohols, this represents an increase in initial reaction rate on the order of 2 × 10¹ when compared with the uncatalyzed reactions. The second‐order rate constant was observed to increase linearly with DBTDL concentration in the range 100–700 ppm Sn. SnOct and TEA showed little to no catalytic activity with the primary alcohol and only a slight increase in reaction rate with the secondary alcohol. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Synthesis and Characterization of 1,4‐Dimethyl‐5‐Aminotetrazolium 5‐Nitrotetrazolate

1,4‐Dimethyl‐5‐aminotetrazolium 5‐nitrotetrazolate ( 2 ) was synthesized in high yield from 1,4‐dimethyl‐5‐aminotetrazolium iodide ( 1 ) and silver 5‐nitrotetrazolate. Both new compounds ( 1, 2 ) were characterized using vibrational (IR and Raman) and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁴N, ¹⁵N), elemental analysis and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. 1,4‐Dimethyl‐5‐aminotetrazolium 5‐nitrotetrazolate ( 2 ) represents the first example of an energetic material which contains both a tetrazole based cation and anion. Compound 2 is hydrolytically stable with a high melting point of 190 °C (decomposition). The impact sensitivity of compound 2 is very low (30 J), it is not sensitive towards friction (>360 N). The molecular structure of 1,4‐dimethyl‐5‐aminotetrazolium iodide ( 1 ) in the crystalline state was determined by X‐ray crystallography: orthorhombic, F_ddd, a=1.3718(1) nm, b=1.4486(1) nm, c=1.6281(1) nm, V=3.2354(5) nm³, Z=16, ρ=1.979 g cm⁻¹, R₁=0.0169 (F>4σ(F)), wR₂ (all data)=0.0352.