Nitrate esters have been known as useful energetic materials since the discovery of nitroglycerin by Ascanio Sobrero in 1846. The development of methods to increase the safety and utility of nitroglycerin by Alfred Nobel led to the revolutionary improvement in the utility of nitroglycerin in explosive applications in the form of dynamite. Since then, many nitrate esters have been prepared and incorporated into military applications such as double-based propellants, detonators and as energetic plasticizers. Nitrate esters have also been shown to have vasodilatory effects in humans and thus have been studied and used for treatments of ailments such as angina. The mechanism of the biological response towards nitrate esters has been elucidated recently. Interestingly, many of the nitrate esters used for military purposes are liquids (ethylene glycol dinitrate, propylene glycol dinitrate, etc). Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is one of the only solid nitrate esters, besides nitrocellulose, that is used in any application. Unfortunately, PETN melting point is above 100 {sup o}C, and thus must be pressed as a solid for detonator applications. A more practical material would be a melt-castable explosive, for potential simplification of manufacturing processes. Herein we describe the synthesis of a new energetic nitrate ester (1) that is a solid at ambient temperatures, has a melting point of 85-86 {sup o}C and has the highest density of any known nitrate ester composed only of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen. We also describe the chemical, thermal and sensitivity properties of 1 as well as some preliminary explosive performance data.

Preparation of an energetic nitrate ester compound and related intermediates is provided.

Organic Chemistry of Explosives is the first text to bring together the essential methods and routes used for the synthesis of organic explosives in a single volume. Assuming no prior knowledge, the book discusses everything from the simplest mixed acid nitration of toluene, to the complex synthesis of highly energetic caged nitro compounds. Reviews laboratory and industrial methods, which can be used to introduce aliphatic C-nitro, aromatic C-nitro, N-nitro, and nitrate ester functionality into organic compounds Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each synthetic method or route, with scope, limitations, substrate compatibility and other important considerations Features numerous examples in the form of text, reaction diagrams, and tables.

The idea of this book is to present the up-to-date research results on Nitrate Esters as explosive materials. It covers many aspects including the material structures, nitrating agent, chemical synthesis devices, preparation technology, and applications etc. In particular, this work sheds light on the comprehensive utilization and thorough destruction of the used Nitrate Easters which is crucial for preventing repeated pollution. This is a highly informative and instructive book providing insight for the researchers working on nitrating theory, energetic materials and chemical equipments.

Nitrogen-Rich Energetic Materials Provides in-depth and comprehensive knowledge on both the chemistry and practical applications of nitrogen-rich energetic materials Energetic materials, a class of material with high amounts of stored chemical energy, include explosives, pyrotechnics, and propellants. Initially used for military applications, nitrogen-rich energetic materials have become important in the civil engineering and aerospace sectors, they are increasingly used in commercial mining and construction as well as in rocket propulsion. Making these nitrogen-rich energetic materials safer, more powerful, and more cost-effective requires a thorough understanding of their chemistry, physics, synthesis, properties, and applications. Nitrogen-Rich Energetic Materials presents a detailed summary of the development of nitrogen-rich energetic materials over the past decade and provides up-to-date knowledge on their applications in various areas of advanced engineering. Edited by a panel of international experts in the field, this book examines the chemistry of pentazoles, fused ring and laser ignitable nitrogen-rich compounds, polynitrogen and tetrazole-based energetic compounds, and more. The text also introduces applications of nitrogen-rich energetic materials in energetic polymers and metal-organic frameworks, as pyrotechnics materials for light and smoke, and in oxadiazoles from precursor molecules. This authoritative volume: Presents in-depth chapters written by leading experts in each sub-field covered Offers a systematic introduction to new and emerging applications of nitrogen-rich energetic materials such as in computational chemistry Discusses recent advances in nitrate ester chemistry with focus on propellant applications Discusses green and eco-friendly approaches to nitrogen-rich compounds Nitrogen-Rich Energetic Materials is an important resource for researchers, academics, and industry professionals across fields, including explosives specialists, pyrotechnicians, materials scientists, polymer chemists, laser specialists, physical chemists, environmental chemists, chemical engineers, and safety officers.

This book summarizes science and technology of a new generation of high-energy andinsensitive explosives. The objective is to provide professionals with comprehensiveinformation on the synthesis and the physicochemical and detonation properties ofthe explosives. Potential technologies applicable for treatment of contaminated wastestreams from manufacturing facilities and environmental matrices are also be included.This book provides the reader an insight into the depth and breadth of theoreticaland empirical models and experimental techniques currently being developed in thefield of energetic materials. It presents the latest research by DoD engineers andscientists, and some of DoD’s academic and industrial researcher partners. The topicsexplored and the simulations developed or modified for the purposes of energetics mayfind application in other closely related fields, such as the pharmaceutical industry.One of the key features of the book is the treatment of wastewaters generated duringmanufacturing of these energetic materials.