Expanding the Limits of Organic Energetic Materials: High-Performance Alliance of 1,3,4-Thiadiazole and Furazan Scaffolds.

A majority of known and newly synthesized energetic materials comprise polynitrogen or nitrogen-oxygen heterocycles with various explosophores. However, available structural combinations of these organic scaffolds are finite and are about to reach their limits. Herein, we present the design and synthesis of a series of sulfur-containing polyazole structures comprising 1,3,4-thiadiazole and furazan rings linked by C-C bonds and enriched with energetic nitro and azo functionalities. In terms of detonation performance, all synthesized 1,3,4-thiadiazole-furazan assemblies (D = 7.7-7.9 km s-1; P = 26-28 GPa) lie between the powerful explosive TATB (D = 8.0 km s-1; P = 31 GPa) and melt-cast material TNT (D = 6.9 km s-1; P = 23 GPa). In the synthesized series, azo-bridged derivative 5 seems to be most practically interesting, as it combines a relatively high energetic performance (D = 7.9 km s-1; P = 28 GPa), a very high thermal stability (271 °C), and insensitivity to friction. By these functional properties, 5 outperforms the benchmark heat-resistant explosive hexanitrostilbene (HNS). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of an energetic alliance of furazan and 1,3,4-thiadiazole scaffolds and a rare case of sulfur-containing high-energy materials, which can certainly be considered as an evolutionary step in energetic materials science.

Substituted tetrazoles with N-oxide moiety: critical assessment of thermochemical properties.

Modeling of the structure of molecules and simulation of crystal structure followed by the calculation of the enthalpies of formation for 21 salts of three high-energy tetrazole 1N-oxides: 5-nitro-1-hydroxy-1H-tetrazole 1a-1g, 5-trinitromethyl-1-hydroxy-1H-tetrazole 2a-2g and 6-amino-3-(1-hydroxy-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine 1,5-dioxide 3a-3g was performed. The methods of quantum chemistry and the method of atom-atom potentials were used. Structural search for optimal crystal packings was carried out in 11 most common space symmetry groups. The enthalpies of formation were obtained and analyzed using two different approaches: VBT and MICCM methods, which allowed to evaluate the quality of these calculation methods. In addition, the results obtained indicate high values of thermochemical characteristics for some of the considered compounds, which have a positive effect on their explosive properties and unveil their future application potential.

Regioselective Synthesis of NO-Donor (4-Nitro-1,2,3-triazolyl)furoxans via Eliminative Azide-Olefin Cycloaddition.

A facile and efficient method for the regioselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 4-azidofuroxans to 1-dimethylamino-2-nitroethylene under p-TSA catalysis affording (4-nitro-1,2,3-triazolyl)furoxans was developed. This transformation is believed to proceed via eliminative azide-olefin cycloaddition resulting in its complete regioselectivity. The developed protocol has a broad substrate scope and enables a straightforward assembly of the 4-nitro-1,2,3-triazole motif. Moreover, synthesized (4-nitro-1,2,3-triazolyl)furoxans were found to be capable of NO release in a broad range of concentrations, thus providing a novel platform for future drug design and related biomedical applications of heterocyclic NO donors.

Impact of regiochemistry in energetic materials science: a case of (nitratomethyl-1,2,3-triazolyl)furazans.

The preparation of multipurpose high-energy materials for space technologies remains a challenging task and such materials usually require special precautions and fine tunability of their functional properties. To unveil new opportunities en route to high-performance energetic materials, novel potential melt-castable explosives and energetic plasticizers incorporating a (1,2,3-triazolyl)furazan scaffold enriched with nitro and nitratomethyl explosophoric functionalities were synthesized. The successful implementation of the regiodivergent approach enabled the preparation of regioisomeric (nitratomethyltriazolyl)furazans that possessed significantly different physicochemical properties classifying the target materials as melt-castable substances or energetic plasticizers. Hirshfeld surface calculations supported by energy framework plots were also performed to better understand the relationship between the molecular structure and sensitivity. All the prepared (1,2,3-triazolyl)furazans show high nitrogen-oxygen contents (76-77%), good experimental densities (up to 1.72 g cm-3) and high positive enthalpies of formation (180-318 kJ mol-1) resulting in good detonation performances (D = 7.1-8.0 km s-1; P = 21-29 GPa). Overall, this work unveils novel strategies for the construction of balanced energetic melt-castable substances or plasticizers for various applications.

First Example of 1,2,5-Oxadiazole-Based Hypergolic Ionic Liquids: A New Class of Potential Energetic Fuels.

The development of liquid energetic fuels with improved properties is an important topic in space propulsion technologies. In this manuscript, a series of energetic ionic liquids incorporating a 1,2,5-oxadiazole ring and nitrate, dicyanamide or dinitramide anion was synthesized and their physicochemical properties were evaluated. The synthesized compounds were fully characterized and were found to have good thermal stabilities (up to 219 °C) and experimental densities (1.21-1.47 g cm-3 ). Advantageously, 1,2,5-oxadiazole-based ionic liquids have high combined nitrogen-oxygen contents (up to 64.4 %), while their detonation velocities are on the level of known explosive TNT, and combustion performance exceeds those of benchmark 2-hydroxyethylhydrazinium nitrate. Considering the established hypergolicity with H2 O2 in the presence of a catalyst, and insensitivity to impact, synthesized ionic liquids have strong application potential as energetic fuels for space technologies.

Unlocking Kuhn Verdazyls: New Synthetic Approach and Useful Mechanistic Insights.

An optimized synthetic protocol toward the assembly of Kuhn verdazyls based on an azo coupling of arenediazonium salts with readily available hydrazones followed by the base-mediated cyclization of in situ formed formazans with formalin was developed. The scope and limitations of the presented method were revealed. Some new mechanistic insights on the formation of Kuhn verdazyls were also conducted. It was found that in contradiction with previously assumed hypotheses, the synthesis of verdazyls was accomplished via an intermediate formation of verdazylium cations which were in situ reduced to leucoverdazyls. The latter underwent deprotonation under basic conditions to generate corresponding anions which coproportionate with verdazylium cations to furnish the formation of Kuhn verdazyls. The spectroscopic and electrochemical behavior of the synthesized verdazyls was also studied. Overall, our results may serve as a reliable basis for further investigation in the chemistry and applications of verdazyls.

(2-Vinyltetrazolyl)furoxans as New Potential Energetic Monomers.

A regioselective approach toward the synthesis of a set of new (2-vinyltetrazolyl)furoxans as potential energetic monomers has been realized. All target energetic materials were thoroughly characterized by spectral and analytical methods. Moreover, crystal structures of two representative heterocyclic systems were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Prepared high-energy substances have high combined nitrogen-oxygen content (63-71 %), high enthalpies of formation and good detonation parameters (D: 6.7-7.8 km s-1 ; P: 18-28 GPa). Mechanical sensitivities of the synthesized vinyltetrazoles range these explosives from highly sensitive to completely insensitive. Using calculations of molecular electrostatic potentials (ESP), structural factors influencing the impact sensitivity were revealed. Overall, newly synthesized (2-vinyltetrazolyl)furoxans are of interest as promising energetic monomers due to the presence of the vinyl moiety and explosophoric heterocyclic combination, while their performance exceeds that of benchmark explosive TNT.

Synthesis, Structure and Stereochemistry of Dispirocompounds Based on Imidazothiazolotriazine and Pyrrolidineoxindole.

Methods for the synthesis of two types of isomeric dispirocompounds based on imidazothiazolotriazine and pyrrolidineoxindole, differing in the structure of imidazothiazolotriazine fragment, namely, linear dispiro[imidazo[4,5-e]thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazine-6,3'-pyrrolidine- 4',3″-indolines] and angular dispiro[imidazo[4,5-e]thiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazine-7,3'-pyrrolidine-4',3″-indolines] were proposed. The first method relies on a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides generated in situ from paraformaldehyde and N-alkylglycine derivatives to the corresponding oxindolylidene derivatives of imidazothiazolotriazine. The cycloaddition leads to a mixture of two diastereomers resulted from anti- and syn-approaches of azomethine ylide in approximately a 1:1 ratio, which were separated by column chromatography. Another method consists in rearrangement of linear dispiro[imidazo[4,5-e]thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazine-6,3'-pyrrolidine-4',3″-indolines] into hitherto unavailable angular dispiro[imidazo[4,5-e]thiazolo[2,3-c]-[1,2,4]triazine-7,3'-pyrrolidine-4',3″-indolines] upon treatment with KOH. It was found that the anti-diastereomer of linear type underwent rearrangement into the isomeric angular syn-diastereomer, while the rearrangement of the linear syn-diastereomer gave the angular anti-diastereomer.

Novel family of nitrogen-rich energetic (1,2,4-triazolyl) furoxan salts with balanced performance.

Nitrogen-rich energetic materials comprised of a combination of several heterocyclic subunits retain their leading position in the field of materials science. In this regard, a preparation of novel high-energy materials with balanced set of physicochemical properties is highly desired. Herein, we report the synthesis of a new series of energetic salts incorporating a (1,2,4-triazolyl) furoxan core and complete evaluation of their energetic properties. All target energetic materials were well characterized with IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, while compound 6 was further characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. Prepared nitrogen-rich salts have high thermal stability (up to 232°C), good experimental densities (up to 1.80 g cm-3) and high positive enthalpies of formation (344-1,095 kJ mol-1). As a result, synthesized energetic salts have good detonation performance (D = 7.0-8.4 km s-1; p = 22-32 GPa), while their sensitivities to impact and friction are quite low.

An Alliance of Polynitrogen Heterocycles: Novel Energetic Tetrazinedioxide-Hydroxytetrazole-Based Materials.

Energetic materials constitute one of the most important subtypes of functional materials used for various applications. A promising approach for the construction of novel thermally stable high-energy materials is based on an assembly of polynitrogen biheterocyclic scaffolds. Herein, we report on the design and synthesis of a new series of high-nitrogen energetic salts comprising the C-C linked 6-aminotetrazinedioxide and hydroxytetrazole frameworks. Synthesized materials were thoroughly characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. As a result of a vast amount of the formed intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds, prepared ammonium and amino-1,2,4-triazolium salts are thermally stable and have good densities of 1.75-1.78 g·cm-3. All synthesized compounds show high detonation performance, reaching that of benchmark RDX. At the same time, as compared to RDX, investigated salts are less friction sensitive due to the formed net of hydrogen bonds. Overall, reported functional materials represent a novel perspective subclass of secondary explosives and unveil further opportunities for an assembly of biheterocyclic next-generation energetic materials.

Renaissance of dinitroazetidine: novel hybrid energetic boosters and oxidizers.

Nitrogen-oxygen organic materials constitute an important family of multipurpose high-energy materials. However, the preparation of energetic boosters and oxidizers for various civil and space technologies remains a challenging task and such materials usually require special precautions and fine tunability of their functional properties. To find a balance between energy and safety while retaining the oxidizing ability of target energetic materials, novel hybrid organic compounds comprising furoxan and 3,3-dinitroazetidine scaffolds enriched with additional nitro groups were synthesized. The prepared 3-(3,3-dinitroazetidinoyl)-4-nitrofuroxan and 3,3-dinitro-1-(2,2,2-trinitroethyl)azetidine have high nitrogen-oxygen contents (75-79%), positive oxygen balance to CO (up to +10.3%) and good experimental densities (1.75-1.80 g cm-3). A combination of superior detonation performance (D = 8.3-8.5 km s-1 and P = 32-33 GPa) and moderate mechanical sensitivity enables the application potential of these energetic materials as booster explosives or oxidizers. Additionally, their functional properties remain essentially competitive with other oxygen-rich energetic materials (pentaerythritol tetranitrate, ammonium dinitramide, and tetranitratoethane). Hirshfeld surface calculations supported by energy framework plots were also performed to better understand the relationship between the molecular structure and stability/sensitivity. This work unveils novel directions in the construction of balanced energetic boosters and oxidizers for various applications.

Revisiting the Synthesis of Functionally Substituted 1,4-Dihydrobenzo[e][1,2,4]triazines.

A series of novel 1,4-dihydrobenzo[1,2,4][e]triazines bearing an acetyl or ester moiety as a functional group at the C(3) atom of the 1,2,4-triazine ring were synthesized. The synthetic protocol is based on an oxidative cyclization of functionally substituted amidrazones in the presence of DBU and Pd/C. It was found that the developed approach is suitable for the preparation of 1,4-dihydrobenzo[e][1,2,4]triazines, but the corresponding Blatter radicals were isolated only in few cases. In addition, a previously unknown dihydrobenzo[e][1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-c][1,2,4]triazine tricyclic open-shell derivative was prepared. Studies of thermal behavior of the synthesized 1,4-dihydrobenzo[1,2,4][e]triazines revealed their high thermal stability (up to 240-250 °C), which enables their application potential as components of functional organic materials.

Antiaggregant effects of (1,2,5-oxadiazolyl)azasydnone ring assemblies as novel antiplatelet agents.

A series of biheterocyclic assemblies comprising of 1,2,5-oxadiazole and azasydnone scaffolds were synthesized and biologically evaluated as novel nitric oxide (NO)-donor and antiplatelet agents. Depending on functional substituents at the biheterocyclic core, all studied compounds demonstrated good NO-donor profiles releasing NO in a wide range of concentrations (19.2%-195.1%) according to a Griess assay. (1,2,5-Oxadiazolyl)azasydnones showed excellent antiplatelet activity in the case of ADP and adrenaline used as inducers completely suppressing the aggregate formation even at the lowest test concentration of 0.0375 µmol/ml, which is a rather unique feature. Moreover, studied biheterocycles possess a selective mechanism of inhibition of platelet aggregation mediated only by ADP and adrenaline, which are considered to be the main inducers causing thrombus formation. In addition, (1,2,5-oxadiazolyl)azasydnones were found to be completely non-toxic to hybrid endothelial cells EaHy 926. Studies of hydrolytic degradation of the synthesized compounds afforded benzoic acid as a sole detectable decomposition product, which is considered advantageous in drug design. Therefore, (1,2,5-oxadiazolyl)azasydnones represent a novel class of promising drug candidates with improved antiplatelet profile and reduced toxicity enabling their huge potential in medicinal chemistry and drug design.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Heterocyclic NO-Donors.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule that acts in various physiological processes such as cellular metabolism, vasodilation and transmission of nerve impulses. A wide number of vascular diseases as well as various immune and neurodegenerative disorders were found to be directly associated with a disruption of NO production in living organisms. These issues justify a constant search of novel NO-donors with improved pharmacokinetic profiles and prolonged action. In a series of known structural classes capable of NO release, heterocyclic NO-donors are of special importance due to their increased hydrolytic stability and low toxicity. It is no wonder that synthetic and biochemical investigations of heterocyclic NO-donors have emerged significantly in recent years. In this review, we summarized recent advances in the synthesis, reactivity and biomedical applications of promising heterocyclic NO-donors (furoxans, sydnone imines, pyridazine dioxides, azasydnones). The synthetic potential of each heterocyclic system along with biochemical mechanisms of action are emphasized.

Nitrogen-rich metal-free salts: a new look at the 5-(trinitromethyl)tetrazolate anion as an energetic moiety.

A series of energetic nitrogen-rich salts comprised of a 5-(trinitromethyl)tetrazolate anion and high-nitrogen cations was synthesized by simple and efficient chemical routes from readily available commercial reagents. These energetic materials were fully characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C, 14N) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Additionally, the structure of an energetic salt containing the 3,6,7-triamino-7H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazolium cation was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The synthesized compounds exhibit decent experimental densities (1.648-1.845 g cm-3) and positive enthalpies of formation (up to 725.5 kJ mol-1) and, as a result, superior detonation performance (detonation velocities 8.2-9.2 km s-1 and detonation pressures 28.5-37.8 GPa), which is comparable to or even exceeding those of commonly used booster explosive PETN. On the other hand, high mechanical sensitivity of several novel 5-(trinitromethyl)tetrazolate salts along with their high combined nitrogen-oxygen content (>81%) and excellent detonation performance render them environmentally friendly alternatives to lead-based primary explosives.

Design and Synthesis of Nitrogen-Rich Azo-Bridged Furoxanylazoles as High-Performance Energetic Materials.

A series of novel energetic materials comprising of azo-bridged furoxanylazoles enriched with energetic functionalities was designed and synthesized. These high-energy materials were thoroughly characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR (1 H, 13 C, 14 N) spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The molecular structures of representative amino and azo oxadiazole assemblies were additionally confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and X-ray powder diffraction. A comparison of contributions of explosophoric moieties into the density of energetic materials revealed that furoxan and 1,2,4-oxadiazole rings are the densest motifs while the substitution of the azide and amino fragments on the nitro and azo ones leads to an increase of the density. Azo bridged energetic materials have high nitrogen-oxygen contents (68.8-76.9 %) and high thermal stability. The synthesized compounds exhibit good experimental densities (1.62-1.88 g cm-3 ), very high enthalpies of formation (846-1720 kJ mol-1 ), and, as a result, excellent detonation performance (detonation velocities 7.66-9.09 km s-1 and detonation pressures 25.0-37.7 GPa). From the application perspective, the detonation parameters of azo oxadiazole assemblies exceed those of the benchmark explosive RDX, while a combination of high detonation performance and acceptable friction sensitivity of azo(1,2,4-triazolylfuroxan) make it a promising potential alternative to PETN.

Nitrodiaziridines: Unattainable yet, but Desired Energetic Materials.

Using quantum chemical methods and the original technique based on atom-atom potential methods, the molecular and crystal structure simulation of all possible structural forms of nitrodiaziridines were carried out. The possible pathways of thermal decomposition of nitrodiaziridines were modeled, and the most stable forms were identified. Thermodynamic stability, physicochemical characteristics, and detonation properties were also estimated. The obtained results enable a huge potential of the nitrodiaziridine-based compounds as high-energy materials for a variety of applications.

Nitro-, Cyano-, and Methylfuroxans, and Their Bis-Derivatives: From Green Primary to Melt-Cast Explosives.

In the present work, we studied in detail the thermochemistry, thermal stability, mechanical sensitivity, and detonation performance for 20 nitro-, cyano-, and methyl derivatives of 1,2,5-oxadiazole-2-oxide (furoxan), along with their bis-derivatives. For all species studied, we also determined the reliable values of the gas-phase formation enthalpies using highly accurate multilevel procedures W2-F12 and/or W1-F12 in conjunction with the atomization energy approach and isodesmic reactions with the domain-based local pair natural orbital (DLPNO) modifications of the coupled-cluster techniques. Apart from this, we proposed reliable benchmark values of the formation enthalpies of furoxan and a number of its (azo)bis-derivatives. Additionally, we reported the previously unknown crystal structure of 3-cyano-4-nitrofuroxan. Among the monocyclic compounds, 3-nitro-4-cyclopropyl and dicyano derivatives of furoxan outperformed trinitrotoluene, a benchmark melt-cast explosive, exhibited decent thermal stability (decomposition temperature >200 °C) and insensitivity to mechanical stimuli while having notable volatility and low melting points. In turn, 4,4'-azobis-dicarbamoyl furoxan is proposed as a substitute of pentaerythritol tetranitrate, a benchmark brisant high explosive. Finally, the application prospects of 3,3'-azobis-dinitro furoxan, one of the most powerful energetic materials synthesized up to date, are limited due to the tremendously high mechanical sensitivity of this compound. Overall, the investigated derivatives of furoxan comprise multipurpose green energetic materials, including primary, secondary, melt-cast, low-sensitive explosives, and an energetic liquid.

Direct Synthesis of N-(1,2,5-Oxadiazolyl)hydrazones through a Diazotization/Reduction/Condensation Cascade.

A straightforward synthesis of a series of previously unknown N-(1,2,5-oxadiazolyl)hydrazones through the diazotization/reduction/condensation cascade of amino-1,2,5-oxadiazoles was accomplished. The described protocol was suitable for a wide array of target hydrazones, which were prepared in good to high yields under smooth reaction conditions with very good functional group tolerance. Importantly, the presented approach unveils a direct route to in situ generation of previously inaccessible (1,2,5-oxadiazolyl)hydrazines. In addition, a first example of the ionic structure incorporating a protonated hydrazone motif linked to the 1,2,5-oxadiazole 2-oxide subunit was synthesized, indicating the stability of prepared compounds toward acid-promoted hydrolysis. Overall, this method provides a direct access to the isosteric analogues of drug candidates for treatment of various neglected diseases, thus enabling their potential application in medicinal chemistry and drug design.

Straightforward Access to the Nitric Oxide Donor Azasydnone Scaffold by Cascade Reactions of Amines.

A novel one-pot cascade method for the assembly of valuable NO-donor azasydnone scaffold has been developed. The construction strategy involves a diazotization/azo coupling/elimination/double rearrangement cascade sequence of readily available amines. The current protocol enables the generation of a diverse array of azasydnones, including previously hardly accessible heteroaryl substituted azasydnones (25 examples, 70-97 % yield) with a good functional group tolerance under very mild conditions. Preliminary NO-releasing studies revealed an ability of azasydnones to produce NO in a wide range of concentrations. This method provides a new approach to nitrogen-oxygen heterocycles with potential applications in medicine and material science.