Synthetic manifestation of nitro substituted tetrazole-N-(hetero)aryl derivatives and energetic studies

Abstract

A workable cost-efficient synthetic method for the construction of nitro substituted tetrazole-N-aryl/heteroaryl derivatives is discussed here. The energetic functional groups –NO₂, –NHNO₂ and –N₃ are reliably inserted into the molecular backbone, making the tetrazole-N-aryl derivatives highly energetic and insensitive to heat and impact. For example, the tetrazole derivatives 7 and 8, bearing a –NO₂ or a –NHNO₂ group, exhibit energetic properties close to RDX, but with enhanced insensitivity. Most of the synthesized compounds show exothermic decomposition and are consequently useful for energetic material applications.