On the excited electronic state dissociation of nitramine energetic materials and model systems

Non-adiabatic Excited-State Molecular Dynamics: Theory and Applications for Modeling Photophysics in Extended Molecular Materials

Optically active molecular materials, such as organic conjugated polymers and biological systems, are characterized by strong coupling between electronic and vibrational degrees of freedom. Typically, simulations must go beyond the Born-Oppenheimer approximation to account for non-adiabatic coupling between excited states. Indeed, non-adiabatic dynamics is commonly associated with exciton dynamics and photophysics involving charge and energy transfer, as well as exciton dissociation and charge recombination. Understanding the photoinduced dynamics in such materials is vital to providing an accurate description of exciton formation, evolution, and decay. This interdisciplinary field has matured significantly over the past decades. Formulation of new theoretical frameworks, development of more efficient and accurate computational algorithms, and evolution of high-performance computer hardware has extended these simulations to very large molecular systems with hundreds of atoms, including numerous studies of organic semiconductors and biomolecules. In this Review, we will describe recent theoretical advances including treatment of electronic decoherence in surface-hopping methods, the role of solvent effects, trivial unavoided crossings, analysis of data based on transition densities, and efficient computational implementations of these numerical methods. We also emphasize newly developed semiclassical approaches, based on the Gaussian approximation, which retain phase and width information to account for significant decoherence and interference effects while maintaining the high efficiency of surface-hopping approaches. The above developments have been employed to successfully describe photophysics in a variety of molecular materials.

Probing the Reaction Mechanisms Involved in the Decomposition of Solid 1,3,5-Trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane by Energetic Electrons

The decomposition mechanisms of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane (RDX) have been explored over the past decades, but as of now, a complete picture on these pathways has not yet emerged, as evident from the discrepancies in proposed reaction mechanisms and the critical lack of products and intermediates observed experimentally. This study exploited a surface science machine to investigate the decomposition of solid-phase RDX by energetic electrons at a temperature of 5 K. The products formed during irradiation were monitored online and in situ via infrared and UV-vis spectroscopy, and products subliming in the temperature programmed desorption phase were probed with a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer coupled with soft photoionization at 10.49 eV (ReTOF-MS-PI). Infrared spectroscopy revealed the formation of water (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), dinitrogen oxide (N₂O), nitrogen monoxide (NO), formaldehyde (H₂CO), nitrous acid (HONO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). ReTOF-MS-PI identified 38 cyclic and acyclic products arranged into, for example, dinitro, mononitro, mononitroso, nitro-nitroso, and amines species. Among these molecules, 21 products such as N-methylnitrous amide (CH₄N₂O), 1,3,5-triazinane (C₃H₉N₃), and N-(aminomethyl)methanediamine (C₂H₉N₃) were detected for the first time in laboratory experiments; mechanisms based on the gas phase and condensed phase calculations were exploited to rationalize the formation of the observed products. The present studies reveal a rich, unprecedented chemistry in the condensed phase decomposition of RDX, which is significantly more complex than the unimolecular gas phase decomposition of RDX, thus leading us closer to an understanding of the decomposition chemistry of nitramine-based explosives.

Visualizing Intramolecular Vibrational Redistribution in Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine (RDX) Crystals by Multiplex Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering

The femtosecond time-resolved multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) technique has been performed to investigate intramolecular vibrational redistribution (IVR) through vibrational couplings in 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX) molecules. In the multiplex CARS experiment, the supercontinuum (SC) was used as broad-band Stokes light to coherently and collectively excite multiple vibrational modes, and quantum beats arising from vibrational couplings among these modes were observed. The IVR of RDX is visualized by a topological graph of these vibrational couplings, and with analysis of the topological graph, two vibrational modes, both of which are assigned to ring bending, are confirmed to have coupling interactions with most of the other vibrational modes and are considered to have a tendency of energy transfer with these vibrational modes. We suggest that the mode at 466 cm^-1 is a portal of energy transfer from outside to inside of the RDX molecule and the mode at 672 cm^-1 is an important transit point of energy transfer in the IVR.

Gas phase RDX decomposition pathways using coupled cluster theory

Electronic and free energy barriers for a series of gas-phase RDX decomposition mechanisms have been obtain using coupled cluster singles, doubles, and perturbative triples with complete basis set (CCSD(T)/CBS) electronic energies for MBPT(2)/cc-pVTZ structures.

Thermal decomposition pathways for 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene (FOX-7)

In this study, we computationally investigate the initial and subsequent steps in the chemical mechanism for the gas-phase thermal decomposition of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene (FOX-7). We determine the key exothermic step in the gas-phase thermal decomposition of FOX-7 and explore the similarities and differences between FOX-7 and other geminal dinitro energetic materials. The calculations reveal a mechanism for NO loss involving a 3-member cyclic intermediate, rather than a nitro-nitrite isomerization, that occurs in the radical intermediates formed throughout the decomposition mechanism.

Solution and Solid Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) Ultraviolet (UV) 229 nm Photochemistry

We measured the 229 nm deep-ultraviolet resonance Raman (DUVRR) spectra of solution and solid-state hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). We also examined the photochemistry of RDX both in solution and solid states. RDX quickly photodegrades with a solution quantum yield of φ ~ 0.35 as measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). New spectral features form over time during the photolysis of RDX, indicating photoproduct formation. The photoproduct(s) show stable DUVRR spectra at later irradiation times that allow standoff detection. In the solution-state photolysis, nitrate is a photoproduct that can be used as a signature for detection of RDX even after photolysis. We used high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) to determine some of the major solution-state photoproducts. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was also used to determine photoproducts formed during solid-state RDX photolysis.

Identification of the free radical produced in the photolysis of 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB)

1,3,5-Triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) is a typical insensitive high explosive (IHE) that possesses excellent heat, impact, and shock stability. However, it is sensitive to light irradiation, which can produce a long-lived free radical. In this study, (time-dependent) density functional theory is employed to study the features of the ground state (S0), the first singlet excited state (S1), and the first triplet excited state (T1). Results indicate the progress of photolysis, which involves an intersystem crossing from S1 to T1 followed by NO2-ONO isomerization. The long-lived radical produced in TATB photolysis is identified as the phenoxyl radical R-NO by investigating the formation feasibility and the stability. The experimental observation of the changes in the ultraviolet absorption spectra of TATB supports the identification.

Further studies into the photodissociation pathways of 2-bromo-2-nitropropane and the dissociation channels of the 2-nitro-2-propyl radical intermediate

These experiments investigate the decomposition mechanisms of geminal dinitro energetic materials by photolytically generating two key intermediates: 2-nitropropene and 2-nitro-2-propyl radicals. To characterize the unimolecular dissociation of each intermediate, we form them under collision-free conditions using the photodissociation of 2-bromo-2-nitropropane; the intermediates are formed at high internal energies and undergo a multitude of subsequent unimolecular dissociation events investigated herein. Complementing our prior work on this system, the new data obtained with a crossed-laser molecular beam scattering apparatus with VUV photoionization detection at Taiwan's National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (NSRRC) and new velocity map imaging data better characterize two of the four primary 193 nm photodissociation channels. The C-Br photofission channel forming the 2-nitro-2-propyl radicals has a trimodal recoil kinetic energy distribution, P(ET), suggesting that the 2-nitro-2-propyl radicals are formed both in the ground electronic state and in two low-lying excited electronic states. The new data also revise the HBr photoelimination P(ET) forming the 2-nitropropene intermediate. We then resolved the multiple competing unimolecular dissociation channels of each photoproduct, confirming many of the channels detected in the prior study, but not all. The new data detected HONO product at m/e = 47 using 11.3 eV photoionization from both intermediates; analysis of the momentum-matched products allows us to establish that both 2-nitro-2-propyl → HONO + CH3CCH2 and 2-nitropropene → HONO + C3H4 occur. Photoionization at 9.5 eV allowed us to detect the mass 71 coproduct formed in OH loss from 2-nitro-2-propyl; a channel missed in our prior study. The dynamics of the highly exothermic 2-nitro-2-propyl → NO + acetone dissociation is also better characterized; it evidences a sideways scattered angular distribution. The detection of some stable 2-nitropropene photoproducts allows us to fit signal previously assigned to H loss from 2-nitro-2-propyl radicals. Overall, the data provide a comprehensive study of the unimolecular dissociation channels of these important nitro-containing intermediates.

Electronic and ionization spectra of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene, FOX-7

Singlet, triplet and ionized states of the energetic molecule 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene, known as FOX-7 or DADNE, were investigated using the symmetry-adapted-cluster configuration interaction (SAC-CI) ab initio wave function. The 20 computed singlet transitions, with 2 exceptions, were bright. The most intense singlet transitions were of the n₀→π type-typical of molecules having nitro groups. Fast intersystem crossing (ISC) from the 1¹A, 2¹A and 8¹A bright singlet transitions is possible. Other feasible ISC processes are discussed. The computed singlet and ionization spectra have similar features when compared to nitramide and N,N-dimethylnitramine molecules, which have only a nitro group. The ionization energies of the first 20 states have differences in comparison with Koopmans' energy values that can reach 3 eV. Moreover, the character of the first ionized states, dominated by single ionizations, is not the same when compared with the character resulting from application of Koopmans' theorem.

Investigation of ultrafast excited state dynamics of 2,2′,4,4′,6,6′-hexanitrostilbene using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy

A study on the dynamics and structures of the excited states of 2,2′,4,4′,6,6′-hexanitrostilbene shows equilibrium between vibrationally hot S₁ (S*1) and S₁ states with lifetimes of 0.8 and 6 ps, respectively.

The great diversity of HMX conformers: probing the potential energy surface using CCSD(T)

The octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazocine (HMX) molecule is a very commonly studied system, in all 3 phases, because of its importance as an explosive; however, no one has ever attempted a systematic study of what all the major gas-phase conformers are. This is critical to a mechanistic study of the kinetics involved, as well as the viability of various crystalline polymorphs based on the gas-phase conformers. We have used existing knowledge of basic cyclooctane chemistry to survey all possible HMX conformers based on its fundamental ring structure. After studying what geometries are possible after second-order many-body perturbation theory (MBPT(2)) geometry optimization, we calculated the energetics using coupled cluster singles, doubles, and perturbative triples (CCSD(T))/cc-pVTZ. These highly accurate energies allow us to better calculate starting points for future mechanistic studies. Additionally, the plethora of structures are compared to existing experimental data of crystals. It is found that the crystal field effect is sometimes large and sometimes small for HMX.

Experimental and theoretical studies of the decomposition of new imidazole based energetic materials: model systems

Decomposition of three imidazole based model energetic systems (2-nitroimidazole, 4-nitroimidazole, and 1-methyl-5-nitroimidazole) is investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The initial decomposition mechanism for these three nitroimidazoles is explored with nanosecond energy resolved spectroscopy, and quantum chemical theory at the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) level. The NO molecule is observed as an initial decomposition product from these three nitroimidazoles subsequent to UV excitation. A unique, excitation wavelength independent dissociation channel is observed for these three nitroimidazoles that generates the NO product with a rotationally cold (∼50 K) and a vibrationally mildly hot (∼800 K) distribution. Potential energy surface calculations at the CASSCF∕6-31G(d) level of theory illustrate that conical intersections play an important and essential role in the decomposition mechanism. Electronically excited S(2) nitroimidazole molecules relax to the S(1) state through the (S(2)∕S(1))(CI) conical intersection, and undergo a nitro-nitrite isomerization to generate the NO product from the S(1) potential energy surface. Nevertheless, NO(2) elimination and nitro-nitrite isomerization are expected to be competitive reaction mechanisms for the decomposition of these molecules on the ground state potential energy surface from the Franck-Condon equilibrium geometry through thermal dissociation.

Nonadiabatic reaction of energetic molecules

Energetic materials store a large amount of chemical energy that can be readily converted into mechanical energy via decomposition. A number of different ignition processes such as sparks, shocks, heat, or arcs can initiate the excited electronic state decomposition of energetic materials. Experiments have demonstrated the essential role of excited electronic state decomposition in the energy conversion process. A full understanding of the mechanisms for the decomposition of energetic materials from excited electronic states will require the investigation and analysis of the specific topography of the excited electronic potential energy surfaces (PESs) of these molecules. The crossing of multidimensional electronic PESs creates a funnel-like topography, known as conical intersections (CIs). CIs are well established as a controlling factor in the excited electronic state decomposition of polyatomic molecules. This Account summarizes our current understanding of the nonadiabatic unimolecular chemistry of energetic materials through CIs and presents the essential role of CIs in the determination of decomposition pathways of these energetic systems. Because of the involvement of more than one PES, a decomposition process involving CIs is an electronically nonadiabatic mechanism. Based on our experimental observations and theoretical calculations, we find that a nonadiabatic reaction through CIs dominates the initial decomposition process of energetic materials from excited electronic states. Although the nonadiabatic behavior of some polyatomic molecules has been well studied, the role of nonadiabatic reactions in the excited electronic state decomposition of energetic molecules has not been well investigated. We use both nanosecond energy-resolved and femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopic techniques to determine the decomposition mechanism and dynamics of energetic species experimentally. Subsequently, we employ multiconfigurational methodologies (such as, CASSCF, CASMP2) to model nonadiabatic molecular processes of energetic molecules computationally. Synergism between experiment and theory establishes a coherent description of the nonadiabatic reactivity of energetic materials at a molecular level. Energetic systems discussed in this Account are nitramine- and furazan-based species. Both energetic species and their respective model systems, which are not energetic, are studied and discussed in detail. The model systems have similar molecular structures to those of the energetic species and help significantly in understanding the decomposition behavior of the larger and more complex energetic molecules. Our results for the above systems of interest confirm the existence of CIs and energy barriers on the PESs of interest. The presence of the CIs and barriers along the various reaction coordinates control the nonadiabatic behavior of the decomposition process. The detailed nature of the PESs and their CIs consequently differentiate the energetic systems from model systems. Energy barriers to the chemically relevant low-lying CIs of a molecule determine whether that molecule is more or less "energetic".

Laser-based detection of TNT and RDX residues in real time under ambient conditions

We detect thin films of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5-hexanitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) by one- and two-laser photofragmentation-fragment detection spectroscopy in real time at ambient temperature and pressure. In the one-laser technique, a laser tuned to 226 nm excites the energetic material and both generates the characteristic NO photofragments and facilitates their detection by resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) using their A-X (0,0) transitions near 226 nm. In contrast, in the two-laser technique, a 454 nm laser generates the analyte molecule in the gas phase by matrix-assisted desorption, and a second laser tuned to 226 nm both photofragments it and ionizes the resulting NO. We report the effects of laser energy, analyte concentration, and matrix concentration on the ion signal and determine the rotational temperatures of the NO photofragments from Boltzmann, rotational distribution analysis of the REMPI spectra. We achieve limits of detection (S/N = 3) of hundreds of ng/cm(2) for both techniques under ambient conditions with a positive signal identification as low as 70 pg using a single 226 nm laser pulse of approximately 50 microJ.

Noncontact detection of homemade explosive constituents via photodissociation followed by laser-induced fluorescence

Noncontact detection of the homemade explosive constituents urea nitrate, nitromethane and ammonium nitrate is achieved using photodissociation followed by laser-induced fluorescence (PD-LIF). Our technique utilizes a single ultraviolet laser pulse (approximately 7 ns) to vaporize and photodissociate the condensed-phase materials, and then to detect the resulting vibrationally-excited NO fragments via laser-induced fluorescence. PD-LIF excitation and emission spectra indicate the creation of NO in vibrationally-excited states with significant rotational energy, useful for low-background detection of the parent compound. The results for homemade explosives are compared to one another and 2,6-dinitrotoluene, a component present in many military explosives.

Quantum-chemical studies on hexaazaisowurtzitanes

Highly nitrated cage molecules constitute a new class of energetic materials that have received a substantial amount of interest. Among them 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) is a powerful explosive with poor impact and friction characteristics. In the present study we aim to design novel energetic materials by tailoring the molecular structure of CL-20. Important characteristics such as the heat of formation and density have been predicted using density functional theory and packing calculations, respectively. Sensitivity correlations have been established for model compounds by analyzing the charge on the nitro groups. Molecules IDX1, IDX4, and IDX7 have been found to have comparable performance with better insensitivity characteristics and may be explored as CL-20 substitutes in defense applications.