Unraveling the reactivity of the azo bridge in 3,3'-(5-dinitromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl)-4,4'-azofurazanate in the synthesis of energetic compounds.

The introduction of an azo bridge into an energetic compound is an efficient strategy to improve its nitrogen content, heat of formation and detonation performances. 3,3'-(5-Methyl dinitroacetate-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl)-4,4'-azofurazan exhibits unusual reactivity with several bases while preparing its corresponding azo bridged energetic salts. These interesting phenomena were explained by both experimental and theoretical calculations with Gaussian 09. The physical and chemical properties of three energetic salts were evaluated. These materials exhibit high densities, excellent detonation properties and acceptable sensitivities.