Preparation and characterization of 3,5-dinitro-1H-1,2,4-triazole

Neat 3,5-dinitro-1H-1,2,4-triazole was obtained in quantitative yield from potassium 3,5-dinitro-1,2,4-triazolate and sulfuric acid. The compound was purified by sublimation in vacuo at 110 degrees C. Pure HDNT is a hygroscopic white solid that is impact and friction sensitive and decomposes explosively upon heating to 170 degrees C. However, the presence of impurities might lower the decomposition temperature and increase the sensitivity of the material. Potassium 3,5-dinitro-1,2,4-triazolate was prepared from commercially available 3,5-diamino-4H-1,2,4-triazole with sodium nitrite and sulfuric acid. The synthesis of HDNT from 2-cyanoguanidine and hydrazine hydrate without isolation and purification of the 3,5-diamino-4H-1,2,4-triazole intermediate can result in the formation of azidotriazole impurities. A triclinic and a monoclinic polymorph of 3,5-dinitro-1H-1,2,4-triazole were found by X-ray structure determination. In addition, the crystal structure of the hydrate (HDNT)(3)center dot 4H(2)O, as well as those of several HDNT impurities and decomposition products were obtained.