2,2',4,4',6,6'-Hexanitrobiphenyl-3,3',5,5'-Tetramine: Synthesis and Comparison of Physicochemical Properties With Those of Other Amino Nitro Biphenyls

Abstract

A synthesis of 2,2′,4,4′,6,6′-hexanitrobiphenyl-3,3′,5,5′-tetramine, the most highly aminated of a series of hexanitrobiphenyl explosives, is described, and its physical and spectroscopic characteristics determined. The thermal properties and impact sensitiveness of the explosive have been studied, and the substance has been found to be relatively unstable to heat and more sensitive to impact than expected by comparison with other aminated polynitroaromatic compounds. Evidence is provided which suggests that, contrary to present understanding, the introduction of amino groups into such nitroaromatics may decrease their thermal stability and lower their chemical stability sufficiently to allow partial decomposition at low impact energies.  The structure of the tetramine has been determined by X-ray crystallography, and the features likely to be responsible for the unexpected physicochemical properties of the tetramine are discussed based on this.