Researchers from the USA have reported the synthesis of tris(triazolo)benzene and its derivatives (pictured), and have shown them to have good thermal stability and moderate to good detonation properties. The team, which was lead by Jean’ne M. Shreeve, University of Idaho, identified the target product as a high-nitrogen energetic material. It was synthesized from the reaction of 1,3,5-triaminobenzene, itself formed from 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid, and p-nitroaniline, and subsequent diazotization, cyclization, nitration, and deprotection.
Trichlorotris(triazolo)benzene was shown to be hypergolic (spontaneous reaction when contacted with another chemical) with hydrazine derivatives, which are used as fuels. The trichloro derivative can also oxidize alcohols and is a powerful chlorinating agent. These compounds, which have a high percentage of both nitrogen and oxygen, have potential applications in environmentally friendly and high-performing materials for propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics.
- Tris(triazolo)benzene and Its Derivatives: High-Density Energetic Materials,
Venugopal Thottempudi, Farhad Forohor, Damon A. Parrish, Jean’ne M. Shreeve,
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2012.
DOI: 10.1002/anie.201205134 - Angew. Chem. 2012.
DOI: 10.1002/ange.201205134
Also of interest:
- E.-C. Koch on Energetic Metal-Fluorocarbon Materials and Munitions Safety,
Julia Stuthe, Vera Köster
ChemViews Magazine, June, 2012.
DOI: 10.1002/chemv.201200056
Dr. E.-C. Koch, specialist in energetic materials for NATO, talks about the fascination of fireworks and society’s need for explosives
