Triazole-induced planarization of a twisted tetrazole-based molecule towards energetic materials with improved thermostability and insensitivity

Abstract

Pursuing the structural planarization of energetic materials is an efficient method for achieving improved performance. Although many planar energetic molecules have been prepared so far, the innovation of advanced planar explosives still relies on the scientific intuition, experience and trial-and-error of researchers. Now, a triazole-induced planarization strategy is proposed based on the regulation of aromaticity, charge distribution, and hydrogen bonds. The incorporation of a triazole ring into the non-planar molecule 5-amino-1-nitriminotetrazole (VII) results in a planar energetic material named N-[5-amino-1-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]nitramide (3). Compared with VII (T_d = 85 °C; IS < 0.25 J; FS < 5 N), 3 shows remarkably improved thermal stability (T_d = 145 °C) and reduced sensitivities (IS = 20 J; FS > 360 N). The variation of thermal stability and mechanical sensitivity from VII to 3 reflects the effectiveness and superiority of the planarization strategy. Benefiting from the properties of 3, its energetic salt 5 exhibits excellent overall performance (D_v = 9342 m s⁻¹; P = 31.6 GPa; T_d = 201 °C; IS = 20 J; FS = 360 N), which is comparable to that of HMX. Moreover, the triazole-induced planarization strategy may serve as a guide for exploring advanced energetic materials.