Scientists from the Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, Germany, have thoroughly investigated the X-ray crystal structures, spectrochemical analysis, and energetic properties for a newly synthesized series of tetrazolate materials (see scheme).

Thomas Klapötke and his team combine calculations to determine heats of formation potential detonation/propulsion parameters with direct measurements to determine thermal behavior and sensitivities towards impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge in their comprehensive study. The highly sensitive silver salt of 5-cyanotetrazole 3 was described as the most promising primary explosive in the series.

• The Reactivity of 5-Cyanotetrazole towards Water and Hydroxylamine,
  Niko Fischer, Thomas M. Klapötke, Sebastian Rappenglück, Jörg Stierstorfer,
  ChemPlusChem 2012.
  DOI: 10.1002/cplu.201200136

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Also of interest:

• Event: 4th EuCheMS Chemistry Congress
• E.-C. Koch on Energetic Metal-Fluorocarbon Materials and Munitions Safety,
  Julia Stuthe, Vera Köster,
  ChemViews Magazine June 2012.
  Dr. E.-C. Koch, specialist in energetic materials for NATO, talks about the fascination of fireworks and society’s need for explosives
  DOI: 10.1002/chemv.201200056