Synthesis and Characterization of Binary, Highly Endothermic, and Extremely Sensitive 2,2'-Azobis(5-azidotetrazole).

ABSTRACT

2,2'-Azobis(5-azidotetrazole) (C2N16, 3), a highly energetic nitrogen-rich binary CN compound was obtained in a three-step synthesis through the formation of 5-azidotetrazole (1), subsequent amination using O-tosylhydroxylamine to give 2-amino-5-azidotetrazole (2), and oxidative azo coupling of 2 using tBuOCl as an oxidant in MeCN. A nitrogencarbon ratio of 81, eight nitrogen atoms in a row, and a nitrogen content of over 90% was unknown for a binary heterocyclic compound until now. The successful isolation was confirmed through X-ray diffraction as well as by vibrational and 13C NMR spectroscopy. C2N16 can explode instantly and shows mechanical sensitivities far higher than quantitatively measurable. Nevertheless, it features interesting energetic performances, which were calculated using different quantum-chemical methods.