Bis-oxadiazole
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Other names
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3D model (JSmol)
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PubChem CID
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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Properties | |
C6H4N6O8 | |
Molar mass | 288.132 g·mol−1 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Bis-oxadiazole, or more formally known as bis(1,2,4-oxadiazole)bis(methylene) dinitrate, is a nitrated heterocyclic compound of the oxadiazole family.[1]
Bis-oxadiazole is related to bis-isoxazole tetranitrate (BITN), which was developed at the United States Army Research Laboratory (ARL). With a high nitrogen content, these compounds are poised to release a large volume of very stable N2.[2] It is a “melt-cast” explosive material that is potentially both more powerful and environmentally friendly alternative to TNT.[3]
Synthesis
Glyoxal condenses with hydroxylamine to yield diaminoglyoxime (DAG). Treating DAG with methyl glycolate in the presence of base at high temperature yielded bis(1,2,4-oxadiazole).[4]
Replacement for TNT
TNT is attractive explosive because it is a melt-castable. A low melting point of about 80 °C and high decomposition temperature of 295 °C allows manufacturers to safely pour TNT into molds. The production of TNT generates hazardous waste, e.g. red water and pink water.[1]
Bis-oxadiazole, which is also melt-castable, is about 1.5 times more powerful than TNT yet produce less hazardous wastes.[1]
Physical Property | bis-oxadiazole | TNT |
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Onset temperature of melting | 84.5 °C | 80.4 °C |
Onset temperature of decomposition | 183.4 °C | 295.0 °C |
Derived density from X-ray data | 1.832 g cm−3 | 1.65 g cm−3 |
Detonation pressure | 29.4 GPa | 20.5 GPa |
Detonation velocity | 8180 m s−1 | 6950 m s−1 |
Molar empathy of formation | -79.4 kJ mol−1 | -59.3 kJ mol−1 |
A major challenge in the production of bis-oxadiazole is its low yield.[5]
References
- ^ a b c Bennett, Jay (July 2, 2018). "So Long TNT, There's a New Explosive in Town". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
- ^ McNally, David (May 3, 2016). "Army scientists synthesize high-performing energetic material". Medium. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
- ^ "TNT could be headed for retirement after 116 years on the job". Phys.org. June 14, 2018. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
- ^ a b Johnson, Eric; Sabatini, Jesse; Chavez, David; Sausa, Rosario; Byrd, Edward; Wingard, Leah; Guzmàn, Pablo (2018). "Bis(1,2,4-oxadiazole)bis(methylene) Dinitrate: A High-Energy Melt-Castable Explosive and Energetic Propellant Plasticizing Ingredient". Organic Process Research & Development. 22 (6): 736–740. doi:10.1021/acs.oprd.8b00076. OSTI 1484644.
- ^ Halford, Bethany (June 5, 2018). "Double oxadiazole could replace TNT". c&en. Retrieved August 2, 2018.