Abstract:This review discusses the recent advances in the syntheses of high explosive energetic materials. Syntheses of some relevant modern primary explosives and secondary high explosives, and the sensitivities and properties of these molecules are provided. In addition to the synthesis of such materials, processing improvement and formulating aspects using these ingredients, where applicable, are discussed in detail.

The synthesis, physical properties, and calculated performances of six stereo-and regioisomeric cyclobutane nitric ester materials are described. While the calculated performances of these isomers, as expected, were similar, their physical properties were found to be extremely different. By alteration of the stereo-and regiochemistry, complete tunability in the form of low-or high-melting solids, stand-alone melt-castable explosives, melt-castable explosive eutectic compounds, and liquid propellant materials was obtained. This demonstrates that theoretical calculations should not be the main factor in driving the design of new materials and that stereo-and regiochemistry matter in the design of compounds of potential relevance to energetic formulators.

Discussed herein is the synthesis of bis­(1,2,4-oxadiazole)­bis­(methylene) dinitrate, determination of its crystal structure by X-ray diffractometry, calculations of its explosive performance, and sensitivity measurements. Steps taken to optimize the synthesis process and to improve yields of the dinitrate are also discussed. Bis­(1,2,4-oxadiazole)­bis­(methylene) dinitrate has a calculated detonation pressure 50% higher than that of TNT. The dinitrate compound exhibits a relatively high decomposition temperature that is rarely observed for nitrate-based compounds. The dinitrate was found to have lower sensitivities to impact and friction compared with RDX. It is believed that intramolecular hydrogen bonding observed in the crystal lattice assists in the relatively high thermal stability and relatively low sensitivity of the material.