Synthesis and Characterization of Salts of the 3,6-Dinitro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazolate Anion: Insensitive Energetic Materials Available From Economical Precursors

In this work, the treatment of 3,6,7-triamino-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazole (TATOT)([1]) with sulfuric acid and sodium nitrite results in elimination of the N-amine and the formation of the new energetic anion 3,6-dinitro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazolate (DNTT) via nitro-Sandmeyer chemistry. This new energetic anion is available in a convenient and inexpensive three-step process from inexpensive commercial starting materials. Several nitrogen rich salts of this material have been prepared and their chemical (infrared, Raman, NMR, single-crystal X-ray) and energetic (impact, friction, thermal) properties determined. As a rule, this class of energetic salts are insensitive energetic materials.