Tetrazene explosive

Tetrazene (1-(5-tetrazolyl)-3-guanyl tetrazene hydrate)[2] is an explosive material used for sensitization of priming compositions. It is a derivative of the compound with the IUPAC name tetrazene.

Tetrazene explosive
Structural formula
Ball-and-stick model
Names
IUPAC name
1-(5-tetrazolyl)-3-guanyl tetrazene hydrate
Other names
Tetracene[1]
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ECHA InfoCard 100.128.336
UNII
  • N=C(N)N(N)/N=N/C1=NNN=N1
Properties
C2H6N10·H2O
Molar mass 188.15 g/mol
Appearance Pale yellow/colorless crystal plates[1]
Density 1.7 g/cm3
Boiling point Decomposes at 160 °C (320 °F; 433 K)
Explosive data
Shock sensitivity High
Friction sensitivity High
Detonation velocity ~4000 m/s
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Tetrazene is slightly more impact-sensitive than mercury fulminate. When pressed enough, its sensitivity is reduced or destroyed; this is known as dead pressing. It also decomposes in boiling water. In contact with fire, it readily explodes, producing large amounts of black smoke. It is prepared by reacting sodium nitrite with an aminoguanidine salt dissolved in acetic acid at 30–40 °C.

Reactions

Decomposition

The decomposition of tetrazene is quite rapid around 90 °C. A sample of tetrazene was heated in an oven at 90 °C and its rate of thermal decomposition was monitored by infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy.[3] The thermal decomposition reaction is autocatalytic and it is likely that the same reaction can occur at even lower temperatures, however at much slower rates.

Sensitivity to friction

Many explosives are considered to be highly sensitive to mechanical stimuli such as impact, friction, stab, heat, static electricity, flame, etc. Since explosive compounds are subject to friction practically every time they are handled, it is of particular interest to be aware of the sensitivity to friction. The sensitivity of tetrazene was determined using a FSKM-PEx friction sensitivity tester.[4] The probability of ignition of tetrazene is 100 percent likely at 27N of frictional force.[4]

Hazards

Instances of occupational rhinitis, dermatitis, and asthma have been reported due to prolonged exposure to tetrazene.[5]

References
  1. "MIL-T-46938C, MILITARY SPECIFICATION: TETRACENE" (PDF). United States Department of Defense. 16 May 1994.
  2. Duke, J. R. C. (1971). "X-Ray crystal and molecular structure of 'tetrazene', ('Tetracene'), C2H8N10O". Journal of the Chemical Society D: Chemical Communications. 1971 (1): 2–3. doi:10.1039/C29710000002.
  3. Bird, R.; Power, A. (1978). "Thermal Decomposition of Tetrazene at 90°C" (PDF). Melbourne, Victoria: Department of Defence. MRL-R-710 AR-000-886. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 29, 2014.
  4. Matyáš, R.; Šelešovský, J.; Musil, T. (2012). "Sensitivity to friction for Primary Explosives". Journal of Hazardous Materials. 213–214: 236–41. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2012.01.085. PMID 22349715.
  5. Burge, P. S.; Hendy, M.; Hodgson, E. S. (1984). "Occupational asthma, rhinitis, and dermatitis due to tetrazene in a detonator manufacturer". Thorax. 39 (6): 470–1. doi:10.1136/thx.39.6.470. PMC 459834. PMID 6235620.
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