Selective Nitrations: The Laser-Induced Nitration of Three Cycloalkanes: 1
Abstract
The Army uses nitrated compounds as explosives and propellants. There is a special need for propellants with the chemical composition necessary to burn exactly with a minimum of side products which create smoke, but with high energy production. An important part of this process is the ability to selectively nitrate materials. Laser-induced chemistry possesses the potential to drive some reactions in an efficient and selective manner, and may be useful in driving nitration reactions toward specific products. Reported herein are the results of several successful attempts to laser-induce the reaction of nitrogen dioxide with three cycloalkanes. Specifically, the carbon dioxide infrared laser was used to drive the reaction between cyclopropane, cyclobutane, and cyclopentane under a variety of reaction conditions. The major products resulted from either ring cleavage or product dissociation, nitration or oxidation. Presented here is the qualitative spectrochemical analysis of the product mixtures. Optimal conditions were found for producing products. The array of products was found to be highly sensitive to the specific reaction conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA249942
Entities
People
- Ann E. Stanley
- Judith M. Bonicamp
- Larry M. Ludwick
- Susan E. Godbey
Organizations
- United States Army Aviation and Missile Command