Energetic calcium(II) complexes of 3,6-bis(1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl-amino)1,2,4,5-tetrazine: synthesis, crystal structure, and thermal properties

Abstract

We synthesized two calcium salts of 3,6-bis(1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl-amino)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (BTATz): [Ca2(BTATz)2(H2O)8·6H2O] (1) and Ca(BTATz)(phen)(H2O)5·4H2O (2). Complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural analysis revealed that Ca(II) was present in different coordination structures in the two complexes. Complex 1 exhibited a symmetric octahedral coordination that included three nitrogens and five water molecules. Complex 2 formed an asymmetric seven-coordinate structure with calcium connected to nitrogen in BTATz and to oxygens. The thermal behaviors of 1 and 2 were characterized via differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry–differential thermal gravimetry. The peak thermal decomposition temperatures of 1 and 2 was 557.39 and 573.86 K, respectively. The kinetic equations of the main exothermic decomposition reaction were also derived. Moreover, the thermal safety of the complexes was evaluated by calculating some important thermodynamic parameters, such as self-accelerated decomposition temperature, thermal ignition temperature, and critical temperature of thermal explosion. Results indicated that both complexes exhibit good potential as a propellant component.