Closing the Gap: Synthesis of Three Isomeric N,N-Ditetrazolymethane Ligands and Their Coordination Proficiency in Adaptable Laser Responsive Copper(II) and Sensitive Silver(I) Complexes

Encapsulating Azolates Within Cationic Metal-Organic Frameworks for High-Energy-Density Materials

Despite the synthesis of numerous cationic metal-organic frameworks (CMOFs), their counter anions have been primarily limited to inorganic Cl-, NO3 -, ClO4 -, BF4 -, and Cr2O7 2-, which have weak coordination abilities. In this study, a series of new CMOFs is synthesized using azolates with strong coordination abilities as counter anions, which are exclusively employed as ligands for coordinating with metals. Owing to the unique nitrogen-rich composition of azolates, the CMOFs demonstrate significant potential as high-energy-density materials. Notably, CMOF(CuTNPO) has an exceptionally high heat of detonation of 7375 kJ kg-1, surpassing even that of the state-of-art CL-20 (6536 kJ kg-1). To further validate the advantages of employing azolates as counter anions, analogues with azolates serving as ligands are also synthesized. The comparison study indicates that encapsulating azolates within the cationic frameworks confers both high energy and safety properties. X-ray data and quantum calculations indicate that their enhanced performance stems from stronger H─bonds and π-π interactions. This study introduces new roles for azolates in MOFs and expands possibilities for structural diversity and potential applications of framework materials.

High-Energetic Salts and Metal Complexes: Comprehensive Overview with a Focus on Use in Homemade Explosives (HME)

Metal-containing compounds form a large and rapidly expanding group of high-energy materials. Many compounds in this class attract the attention of non-professionals, who may attempt the illegal production of explosives. Several of these substances have been commercially available and pose significant danger if used by terrorists or for criminal purposes. Others are experimental compounds, kinds of curiosities, often created by pyrotechnics enthusiasts, which can present serious risks to both the creators and their immediate surroundings. The internet hosts a vast amount of information, including recipes and discussions on forums, private websites, social media, and more. This paper aims to review the variety of metal-containing explosives and discuss their appeal and potential accessibility to unauthorized individuals.

1- and 2-Tetrazolylacetonitrile as Versatile Ligands for Laser Ignitable Energetic Coordination Compounds

1- and 2-Tetrazolylacetonitrile (1- and 2-TAN) have been synthesized by the reaction of chloroacetonitrile with 1H-tetrazole under basic conditions. They further were reacted with sodium azide in the presence of zinc(II) chloride to form 5-((1H-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl)-1H-tetrazole (1-HTMT) and 5-((2H-tetrazol-2-yl)methyl)-1H-tetrazole (2-HTMT). The nitrogen-rich compounds have been applied as ligands for Energetic Coordination Compounds (ECCs) and show interesting coordinative behavior due to different bridging modes. The structural variability of the compounds has been proved by low-temperature X-ray analysis. The ECCs were analyzed for their sensitivities to provide information about the safety of handling and their capability to serve as primary explosives in detonator setups to replace the commonly used lead styphnate and azide. All colored ECCs were evaluated for their ignitability by laser initiation in translucent polycarbonate primer caps. In addition, the spin-crossover characteristics of [Fe(1-TAN)6](ClO4)2 were highlighted by the measurement of the temperature-dependent susceptibility curve.

A Smart Access to the Dinitramide Anion - The Use of Dinitraminic Acid for the Preparation of Nitrogen-Rich Energetic Copper(II) Complexes

Dinitraminic acid (HN(NO₂)₂, HDN) was prepared by ion exchange chromatography and acid‐base reaction with basic copper(II) carbonate allowed the in  situ preparation of copper(II) dinitramide, which was reacted with twelve nitrogen‐rich ligands, for example, 4‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole, 1‐methyl‐5H‐tetrazole, di(5H‐tetrazolyl)‐methane/‐ethane/‐propane/‐butane. Nine of the complexes were investigated by low‐temperature X‐ray diffraction. In addition, all compounds were investigated by infrared spectroscopy (IR), differential thermal analysis (DTA), elemental analysis (EA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for selected compounds. Furthermore, investigations of the materials were carried out regarding their sensitivity toward impact (IS), friction (FS), ball drop impact (BDIS) and electrostatic discharge (ESD). In addition, hot plate and hot needle tests were performed. Complex [Cu(AMT)₄(H₂O)](DN)₂, based on 1‐amino‐5‐methyltetrazole (AMT), is most outstanding for its detonative behavior and thus also capable of initiating PETN in classical initiation experiments. Laser ignition experiments at a wavelength of 915 nm were performed for all substances and solid‐state UV‐Vis spectra were recorded to apprehend the ignition mechanism.

Investigation of Ethylenedinitramine as a Versatile Building Block in Energetic Salts, Cocrystals, and Coordination Compounds

Ethylenedinitramine (H₂EDN, 1) was prepared in a simple manner and with a high overall yield by direct nitration of 2-imidazolidinone using 100% HNO₃ at 0 °C and subsequent hydrolysis in water at 100 °C. The versatility of 1 allows its application as starting material for a broad range of different materials. It was used for the preparation of both various salts and cocrystalline materials incorporating varying amounts of the TATOT moiety. Furthermore, H₂EDN was successfully applied in the concept of energetic coordination compounds (ECCs) resulting in five copper(II) and two silver(I) complexes. A reaction path for the direct precipitation or slow crystallization of 17 different salts, including several alkali, alkaline earth, silver, and nitrogen-rich samples, is presented. The substances were extensively characterized by low-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis (EA), IR spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis (DTA), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), proving their high thermal stability, especially of the alkali salts. In addition, 1 and all salts were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹⁴N NMR, whereas 1 was also investigated using the beneficial ¹H-¹⁵N HMBC NMR spectroscopy. The sensitivities toward various mechanical stimuli according to BAM standard methods, as well as ball drop impact and electrostatic discharge (ESD) were determined using the BAM 1-out-6 method. Hot plate and hot needle tests were performed, followed by further characterization of the copper(II)-based ECCs through laser ignition experiments and UV-vis spectroscopy, offering new candidates for nontoxic, less sensitive laser-ignitable materials. Several detonation parameters were calculated using EXPLO5 (V6.05.02).