Methylsemicarbazide as a Ligand in Late 3d Transition Metal Complexes

Most ignition and initiation systems nowadays still contain poisonous chemicals such as lead styphnate and lead azide but also chromates and other compounds of high concern. Therefore, methylsemicarbazide (1, MSC), which can be prepared in a one-step reaction and in an extraordinary high yield of 95 %, has been evaluated as ligand in energetic coordination compounds. For the first time 25 new transition metal complexes (Mn²⁺ , Ni²⁺ , Co²⁺ , Cu²⁺ , and Zn²⁺ ) using methylsemicarbazide (1) as the ligand were prepared and comprehensively analyzed by, for example, XRD, IR, EA, UV/Vis and DSC/DTA/TGA. Many show a strong energetic character, which can be tuned by using different anions such as Cl^- , SO₄^2- , NO₃^- , ClO₄^- , picrate or styphnate. Selected compounds were additionally evaluated as lead-free primary explosives in initiation tests (nitropenta filled detonators) and in laser ignition systems. Especially compound 7 showed very promising results during these tests and could be a potential candidate for future applications.