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Energetic characteristics of transition metal complexes
Andrzej Wojewódka1, Janusz Bełzowski, Zenon Wilk
1Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland. andrzej.wojewodka@polsl.pl
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|July 28, 2009
Summary
Ten novel transition metal complexes with hydrazine and ethylenediamine were synthesized and tested as explosives. Two complexes, NHN and CoHN, showed potential as primary explosives with performance comparable to or exceeding traditional explosives.
Area of Science:
- Coordination Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Energetic Materials
Background:
- Synthesis and characterization of transition metal complexes are crucial for developing new energetic materials.
- Hydrazine and ethylenediamine are common ligands in coordination chemistry, offering versatile coordination environments.
- Evaluating the explosive properties of novel compounds is essential for potential applications in demolition and pyrotechnics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize ten transition metal nitrate and perchlorate complexes of hydrazine and ethylenediamine.
- To evaluate the explosive performance of these synthesized complexes using underwater detonation tests.
- To compare the energetic characteristics of the novel complexes with established industrial explosives like RDX, HMX, TNT, and PETN.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of ten transition metal complexes ([Cu(EN)(2)](ClO(4))(2), [Co(EN)(3)](ClO(4))(3), [Ni(EN)(3)](ClO(4))(2), [Hg(EN)(2)](ClO(4))(2), [Cr(N(2)H(4))(3)](ClO(4))(3), [Cd(N(2)H(4))(3)](ClO(4))(2), [Ni(N(2)H(4))(3)](NO(3))(2), [Co(N(2)H(4))(3)](NO(3))(3), [Zn(N(2)H(4))(3)](NO(3))(2), and [Cd(N(2)H(4))(3)](NO(3))(2)) following literature methods.
- Underwater detonation tests were conducted on the synthesized complexes and reference explosives (RDX, HMX, TNT, PETN).
- Explosion parameters including shock wave overpressure, shock wave energy equivalent, and bubble energy equivalent were determined for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- Ten transition metal nitrate and perchlorate complexes of hydrazine and ethylenediamine were successfully synthesized.
- The complexes [Ni(N(2)H(4))(3)](NO(3))(2) (NHN) and [Co(N(2)H(4))(3)](NO(3))(3) (CoHN) were identified as primary explosives.
- Energetic characteristics of the tested compounds were found to be comparable, and in some cases enhanced, relative to traditional high explosives.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized transition metal complexes exhibit significant energetic properties, with NHN and CoHN demonstrating potential as primary explosives.
- These novel compounds offer a promising alternative or supplement to existing explosive materials.
- Further research into the structure-property relationships of these complexes could lead to the design of even more potent energetic materials.
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