Synthesis and Characterization of Binary, Highly Endothermic, and Extremely Sensitive 2,2′-Azobis(5-azidotetrazole)

Abstract

2,2′-Azobis(5-azidotetrazole) (C₂N₁₆, 3), a highly energetic nitrogen-rich binary CN compound was obtained in a three-step synthesis through the formation of 5-azidotetrazole (1), subsequent amination using O-tosylhydroxylamine to give 2-amino-5-azidotetrazole (2), and oxidative azo coupling of 2 using tBuOCl as an oxidant in MeCN. A nitrogen:carbon ratio of 8:1, eight nitrogen atoms in a row, and a nitrogen content of over 90% was unknown for a binary heterocyclic compound until now. The successful isolation was confirmed through X-ray diffraction as well as by vibrational and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. C₂N₁₆ can explode instantly and shows mechanical sensitivities far higher than quantitatively measurable. Nevertheless, it features interesting energetic performances, which were calculated using different quantum-chemical methods.