Can very powerful explosives be environmentally friendly? This past July, Thomas M. Klap枚tke, Dennis Fischer, and J枚rg Stierstorfer at Ludwig Maximilian University (Munich) reported a non-nuclear organic explosive called 1,5-di(nitramino)-1H-tetrazole (DNT).
This molecule, which was predicted to be extremely explosive, is so sensitive to friction and impact that it may be too difficult to use safely. But the researchers also made some metal salts of DNT that may be safer. One, the dipotassium salt, is impact sensitive but is stable up to 240 潞C. The authors believe that this environmentally benign salt may be a good replacement for tetrazene, a commonly used, but toxic, explosive.
, the most authoritative and comprehensive source for chemical information.
Molecule of the Week needs your suggestions!
If your favorite molecule is not in our聽archive, please send us a message. The molecule can be notable for its current or historical importance or for any quirky reason. Thank you!
Stay Ahead of the Chemistry Curve
Learn how ACS can help you stay ahead in the world of chemistry.
