Three new energetic complexes with N,N-bis(1H-tetrazole-5-yl)-amine as high energy density materials: syntheses, structures, characterization and effects on the thermal decomposition of RDX.

Three new energetic complexes, [Pb(bta)(H2 O)]n (1), [PbCu(bta)2 (H2 O)5 ]·2H2 O (2) and PbCu(bta)2 (3) (H2 bta = N,N-bis(1H-tetrazole-5-yl)-amine), have been synthesized and characterised. In particular, 3 was readily synthesized by dehydration of 2 at 190 °C. Single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that 1 has a 3D framework structure and 2 presents a 3D supermolecular architecture. Thermoanalyses demonstrated that the main frames of 1 and 2 have good thermostabilities up to 314 °C for 1 and 231 °C for 2. Non-isothermal kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of exothermic decomposition processes of 1 and 2 were obtained by Kissinger's and Ozawa's methods. Based on the constant-volume combustion energies measured by a precise rotating-bomb calorimeter, the standard molar enthalpies of formation of 1 and 2 were determined. The calculation of the detonation properties of 1 and 2 and the impact sensitivity tests of 1, 2 and 3 were carried out. In addition, 1, 2 and 3 were explored as combustion promoters to accelerate the thermal decompositions of RDX (1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) by differential scanning calorimetry. Experimental results showed that 1, 2 and 3 can be used as HEDMs in the field of combustion promoters and insensitive 2 can be regarded as a safer form for mass storage and transportation than sensitive 3.