CHARACTERIZATION OF DMNB, A DETECTION AGENT FOR EXPLOSIVES, BY THERMAL-ANALYSIS AND SOLID-STATE NMR

The thermal properties of 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane (DMNB), a detection agent for explosives, have been determined by DSC measurements. Additionally, the results of an NMR study are compared with conclusions arrived at in the literature with regard to the source of two endotherms observed in the DSC. The thermal decomposition of DMNB is characterized by an exotherm with an energy in excess of 3 kJ g(-1), observed in conjunction with a third endotherm resulting from the fusion of DMNB. Arrhenius parameters determined from both variable heating rate and isothermal measurements in the DSC are compared with predicted values assuming various mechanisms for the decomposition process.