Synthesis of 5‐Nitrotetrazolates by the Direct Oxidation of 5‐Aminotetrazole in a Single‐Pot Synthesis without Isolation of Explosive Intermediates
Abstract
A readily available oxidizer, potassium superoxide can be used for the oxidation of 5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazole (5‐AT) to 5‐nitrotetrazole (5‐NT) in high yields in a single‐pot synthesis. This strategy reduces the synthesis of this important energetic material down to a single step and eliminates highly sensitive diazonium and copper salt primary explosive intermediates. Use of dimethyl sulfoxide along with molecular sieves and 18‐crown‐6 as phase transfer catalyst promoted faster reaction rates and greater yield. The overall yield of this process is 48–53 % and the resultant aqueous solution of product was effectively used for the preparation of nitrotetrazole‐containing primary explosive DBX‐1. Unlike current methods of nitrotetrazole preparation, this entirely solution‐based route results in a final solution of sodium nitrotetrazolate, without the need to handle energetic intermediates or products, making it the safest method of nitrotetrazole preparation reported to date.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1002/cplu.202000487
Entities
People
- Davin G Piercey
- Dawson M. Smith
- Tim D Manship
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Purdue University