Crystal structure and properties of anhydrous 5-nitroaminotetrazole

Abstract

5-Nitraminotetrazole (5-NAT) is a high-energy and green explosive material that has attracted extensive attention due to its short synthesis steps and decomposition products consisting mainly of nitrogen and water. However, the presence of a crystal water molecule in the current crystal structure of 5-nitroaminotetrazole significantly affects its detonation performance and mechanical sensitivity. In this study, we report the successful synthesis of an anhydrous crystal form of 5-NAT through slow volatilization of an ethyl acetate solution under dry conditions. The anhydrous crystal form of 5-NAT exhibited increased density and detonation velocity compared to the monohydrate crystal form. Furthermore, quantum chemical analysis showed that the anhydrous crystal form exhibited increased sensitivity to external force stimulation due to stronger oxygen-oxygen and nitrogen-oxygen repulsion. In conclusion, the anhydrous crystal form of 5-NAT shows promise as a high-energy and green primary explosive.