High-Energetic Salts and Metal Complexes: Comprehensive Overview with a Focus on Use in Homemade Explosives (HME)

Abstract

Metal-containing compounds form a large and rapidly expanding group of high-energy materials. Many compounds in this class attract the attention of non-professionals, who may attempt the illegal production of explosives. Several of these substances have been commercially available and pose significant danger if used by terrorists or for criminal purposes. Others are experimental compounds, kinds of curiosities, often created by pyrotechnics enthusiasts, which can present serious risks to both the creators and their immediate surroundings. The internet hosts a vast amount of information, including recipes and discussions on forums, private websites, social media, and more. This paper aims to review the variety of metal-containing explosives and discuss their appeal and potential accessibility to unauthorized individuals.

Keywords

• metal-containing explosives
• homemade explosives
• acetylide
• azide
• chlorate
• perchlorate