Synthesis, characterization and thermal behavior of hydrazinium nitroformate (HNF) and its new N-alkyl substituted derivatives

Two new derivatives of hydrazinium nitroformate (HNF) viz., mono methyl hydrazinium nitroformate (MMHNF) and dimethyl hydrazinium nitroformate (DMHNF) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental, spectral and thermal analysis. The nitration of isopropanol using fuming nitric acid and sulphuric acid yielded nitroform which on neutralization with equivalent quantities of hydrazine hydrate yielded HNF, whereas neutralization with methyl hydrazine and dimethyl hydrazine solution in xylene solvent gave title compounds MMHNF and DMHNF respectively. MMHNF and DMHNF were thermally stable up to 128-137 degrees C whereas the decomposition of HNF commenced at 120 degrees C. The impact sensitivity data established relatively less susceptibility of MMHNF and DMHNF than that of the HNF. Performance of MMHNF and DMHNF was also predicted theoretically by applying Linear Output Thermodynamic User friendly Software for Energetic Systems (LOTUSES) code. Out of the three compounds synthesized, HNF finds potential application as a eco-friendly oxidizer and MMHNF may find application as a potential high performance energetic material and DMHNF appears to be potential ingredient for melt castable high explosive formulations.