Efforts directed towards creating new environmentally friendly replacements for existing primary explosives have resulted in development of copper(I) 5‐nitrotetrazolate (DBX‐1). The chemical and physical properties of this material have been extensively investigated and it appears that DBX‐1 is a suitable drop‐in replacement for lead azide in a variety of ordnance applications. DBX‐1 is easily prepared, has excellent thermal stability and has safety and performance properties which are equivalent to or exceed those for lead azide. A program to qualify DBX‐1 for military use per NAVSEAINST 8020.5C has recently been completed and data has been forwarded to NSWC‐IH for submission to Naval Sea Systems Command.

Sodium 5‐nitrotetrazolate dihydrate (NaNT) is a useful precursor compound for the synthesis of lead‐free primary explosives; however, currently employed syntheses for the compound are tedious, dangerous, and plagued by impurities. Through comprehensive analysis, we elucidate the identity of the most detrimental impurities and further report an improved procedure for preparation of NaNT, which greatly improves the purity, while avoiding the handling of acid copper(II) nitrotetrazolate, a highly sensitive explosive intermediate. In the new procedure, 5‐aminotetrazole is diazotized with sodium nitrite, cupric sulfate, and nitric acid. Copper is precipitated as its oxide and the aqueous solution evaporated. After soxhlet extraction with acetone, large crystals of NaNT are obtained. The prepared material is suitable for preparation of lead azide replacement DBX‐1 [copper(I) 5‐nitrotetrazolate] as evidenced by successful use in M55 stab detonators.

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Efforts directed towards creating new environmentally friendly replacements for existing primary explosives have resulted in development of potassium 5,7‐dinitro‐[2,1,3]‐benzoxadiazol‐4‐olate 3‐oxide (KDNP). The chemical and physical properties of this material have been investigated and it appears that KDNP is a suitable drop‐in replacement for lead styphnate in a variety of ordnance applications. KDNP is easily prepared, has excellent thermal stability and has safety and performance properties, which are equivalent to or exceed those for lead styphnate. KDNP has been qualified for military use per NAVSEAINST 8020.5C.

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