Method for estimating decomposition characteristics of energetic chemicals

Experimental data (DSC, ARC) on the decomposition characteristics of approximately 400 chemicals, representing various classes of energetic materials, were summarized by chemical class and statistically analyzed. Average decomposition characteristics, sucb as energy of decomposition and decomposition onset temperature, were determined for chemical classes containing the following energetic groups: nitro, nitroso, N-oxide, oxime, hydroxylamine, tetrazole, azide, triazene, triazole, diazo, azo, hydrazine, and perchlorate. Additional statistical information is presented for each chemical class, sucb as number of chemicals analyzed, ranges, and standard deviations for the decomposition parameters analyzed. For chemical classes containing an energetic group attached to an aromatic ring, the presence and position of another substituting group in the ring can significantly influence the decomposition onset temperature. The study summarizes the list of activating and deactivating functional groups, and the positions in the ring where the strongest activation or deactivation occurs. The authors also recommend a method for estimating decomposition parameters of new chemicals.