Synthesis of Two Lead Complexes of Propellant Stabilizer Compounds: In Pursuit of Novel Propellant Additives

Two lead complexes, Tetrakis(mu(3)-(4-methyl-3-nitrophenyl imido lead (II))) 1, and Bis(2-nitrodiphenyl amido lead(II)) 2, were prepared by protolysis of bis(bis(trimethylsilyl)amido)lead(II) with two compounds relevant to double-base propellant stabilizers: 2-nitrodiphenylamine (NDPA) and 4-methyl-3-nitro-aniline. Crystal structures were determined as tetrahydrofuran solvates, and exhibit a number of unusual geometric features, including low lead coordination number. Heats of combustion and formation were determined using bomb calorimetry and converted to energy density using crystallographic densities. Compound 1 has an energy density of 30 MJ/L, whereas 2 was 38.2 MJ/L.