Design and synthesis of fluorinated nitroaniline-fused carrier explosives

Abstract

Typical cast explosives TNT and DNAN face problems during use, and researchers have conducted extensive research to find alternatives to TNT. However, relatively little research exists on fluorine-containing cast explosives. Fluorine has a stronger oxidation ability and a higher density than oxygen atoms and can form hydrogen bonds with adjacent hydrogen atoms, effectively reducing compound sensitivity and improving stability. The synergistic effect of the fluorine element and aluminum powder in aluminum-containing explosives improves the combustion efficiency of aluminum powder. Nonetheless, the intermolecular forces of fluorinated fused cast carrier explosives are weak and volatile, which is unfavorable for fused cast carrier explosives. Therefore, in this study, –NH₂-functionalized fluorinated fused cast carrier explosives were used to increase intermolecular forces, and two fluorinated nitroaniline-fused cast carrier explosives, 5-fluoro-3-methyl-2,4-dinitrophenylamine (DFDNTN) and 5-fluoro-2,4-dinitro-3-(trifluoromethyl)aniline (PFDNTN), were successfully synthesized. The weightlessness phenomenon has been alleviated compared with that in 1,5-difluoro-3-methyl-2,4-dinitrobenzene and 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitro-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzene. The melting points are 127.5 °C and 100 °C. The detonation velocities and pressures of DFDNTN are 7335 m s⁻¹ and 23.2 GPa, respectively (IS = 35 J and FS > 360 N); those of PFDNTN are 8136 m s⁻¹ and 30.4 GPa, respectively (IS > 40 J and FS > 360 N). They are expected to become melt carrier explosives to replace TNT.