Single-step synthesis of 3,5-diazido-1,2,4-triazole: environmentally benign high-performance primary explosives

Abstract

Herein, we report a single-step synthesis of 3,5-diazido-1,2,4-triazole (DATr) from an inexpensive precursor, overcoming the limitations of lengthy synthetic procedures. DATr fully satisfies all required primary explosive characteristics such as high crystal density (1.64 g cm⁻³), high positive heat of formation (763.5 kJ mol⁻¹), good detonation performance (VOD = 7975 m s⁻¹; DP = 23.6 GPa), and moderate thermal (140 °C) stability and environmental compatibility. Its low minimum priming charge (10 mg) and favourable impact (2.5 J) and friction (5 N) sensitivities highlight its strong initiation capability. Owing to all-energetic characteristics, DATr emerges as a promising lead-free primary explosive for environmentally benign initiation systems.