Exploring the energetic potential of 2,5-disubstituted tetrazoles: a case of 2,5-bis(oxadiazolyl)tetrazoles

Abstract

Exploration of new possible molecular combinations for the preparation of energetic materials remains a challenging task. Herein, the construction of new azole assemblies incorporating the poorly studied 2,5-disubstituted tetrazole motif in combination with oxadiazole moieties is presented. A complete set of experimentally defined properties including thermal stability and mechanical sensitivity, as well as the calculated detonation performance, was evaluated. All target energetic substances have high densities (1.72–1.74 g cm⁻³) and high combined nitrogen–oxygen content (55–73%). Azo-bridged hexaheterocyclic entities showed high friction sensitivity (on the level of primary explosives), while the introduction of two amino groups improved the sensitivity up to a nitro ester's level, considered as the lowest acceptable level for manufacturing.