Abstract: Novel compounds are provided having the structural formula R[--N(NO.sub.2)--L--R.sup.1 ].sub.n wherein R, L, R.sup.1 and n are defined herein. The compounds are useful in a variety of contexts, but are primarily to be used as high energy oxidizing agents in explosive compositions, propellant formulations, gas-generating compositions and the like. The compounds are also useful as pharmaceutical agents. Compositions containing the compounds are also provided, including energetic compositions, as are methods for using the novel compounds and compositions.

Abstract: Novel energetic compounds are provided comprising N,N'-azobis-nitroazoles or analogs thereof. The compounds are useful as igniter materials in a variety of energetic compositions, particularly gas-generating compositions for inflating automobile or aircraft occupant restraint devices. The compounds are also useful in solid rocket propellant compositions, and as primary explosives to be used as detonators, blasting caps, firearms, and the like. Methods for synthesizing the compounds and manufacturing energetic compositions herewith are provided as well.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming an ionically bonded dinitramide salt or acid useful as a stable oxidizer for solid fuel rocket propellant or explosive formulations is disclosed. The dinitramide salt is formed by the reaction of an N(alkoxycarbonyl)N-nitroamide and a nitronium-containing compound, at a temperature of from about +60.degree. C. to about -120.degree. C., followed by contacting the reaction mass with a base to form the dinitramide salt, or an alcohol to form the corresponding dinitramidic acid. The N(alkoxycarbonyl)N-nitroamide may be formed by first mixing the corresponding alkylcarbamate with an anhydride of one or more 1-20 carbon organic acids, then adding nitric acid to the reaction mixture. If the salt of the N(alkoxycarbonyl)N-nitroamide is to be formed, a base is then added until the pH reaches about 7-10. The nitronium-containing reactant may be a covalently bonded compound containing a NO.sub.2 -- group; a nitryl halide; or a nitronium salt having the formula (NO.sub.2.sup.+).sub.q X.

Abstract: A method for forming an ionically bonded ammonium dinitramide salt having the formula NH.sub.4.sup.30 N(NO.sub.2).sub.2 - useful as a stable oxidizer for solid fuel rocket propellant or explosive formulations is disclosed. The ammonium dinitramide salt is formed by the reaction of ammonia and a nitronium-containing compound, such as a nitronium salt or a covalently bonded compound containing a NO.sub.2 - group, at a temperature of from about - 20.degree. C. to about 120.degree. C. The nitronium-containing compound may be either a covalently bonded compound containing a NO.sub.2 - group or a nitronium salt having the formula (NO.sub.2.sup.+).sub.n X.sup.-n, where X is the anion of the nitronium salt and n= 1-2.

Abstract: A N,N-dinitramide salt is disclosed having the formula MN(NO.sub.2).sub.2 where M is a cation selected from the class consisting of a metal ion and a nitrogen-containing ion. The dinitramide salt exhibits high temperature stability, high energy density, and an absence of smoke generating halogens, rendering it useful as an oxidizer in rocket fuels. The dinitramide salts are meltable and pumpable oxidizers which may be used in start-stop rocket engines instead of other less stable oxidizers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a N,N-dinitramide salt having the formula MN(NO.sub.2).sub.2 where M is a cation selected form the class consisting of a metal ion and a nitrogen-containing ion, which comprises contacting a carbamate with a nitrating agent to form an acidic dinitramide intermediate reaction product, and neutralizing the acidic dinitramide with a compound selected from the class consisting of ammonia (NH.sub.3), hydrazine (N.sub.2 H.sub.4), a primary amine having the formula RNH.sub.2, a secondary amine having the formula RR'NH, and a salt having the formula AX; where R and R' are the same or different 1-6 carbon alkyls, A is a metal ion or a nitrogen-containing ion, and X is an anion selected from the class consisting of fluoride, chloride, hydroxyl, carbonate, alkoxide, and carboxyl anion, to form the corresponding dinitramide salt.