Free Radical Detection and Reactions in the Decomposition of Energetic Materials.

Abstract

Abstract : Infrared and ultraviolet absorption spectra have been obtained for a number of reaction intermediates which are expected to play important roles in the decomposition and combustion of energetic materials. In order to prevent molecular diffusion and subsequent reactions, the species of interest was trapped in a large excess of solid argon at cryogenic temperatures. The vibrational spectrum previously reported for the nitromethyl free radical has been further analyzed to give additional information on the structure and chemical bonding properties of that species.