Syntheses and characterizations of two new energetic copper–amine-DNANT complexes and their effects on thermal decomposition of RDX

•A new reaction is unexpectedly found, and reaction process was discussed in this work.•Cu(NH3)4 (DNANT)2and Cu(en)2(DNATN)2 were first synthesized through an unique reaction.•The structures and properties of the two complexes were discussed in detail, and they all present good application performances.•The adjacent amino-hydrazino group in AHDNE exhibits high reactivity. The work is another typical example for the reactivity.

Two novel copper complexes of dinitroacetonitrile (DNANT), Cu(NH3)4(DNANT)2 (1) and Cu(en)2(DNATN)2 (2), have been synthesized for the first time through an unique reaction, and structurally characterized. The single-crystal X-ray structural analysis shows that the Cu2+ cations in the two complexes share a similar four-coordinated structure, which however does not directly involve the main energetic DNANT− anion. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study reveals that the two complexes have higher thermal stability and lower sensitivity than the analogous FOX-7 complexes, and exhibit good catalytic action to the decomposition of RDX.

Graphical abstractCu(NH3)4(DNANT)2 (1) and Cu(en)2(DNATN)2 (2) have been first synthesized through an unique reaction. Cu2+ ion shares a similar four-coordinated structure in the two complexes.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide