Abstract: Metallic or ammonium salts of diazotized mono or dinitrodihydroxyaminobenzenes are disclosed wherein the corresponding aminonitrodihydroxybenzene has the formula ##STR1## where n equals 1 or 2. The amino group is diazotized to form the diazotized mono or dinitrodihydroxyaminobenzene from which the metallic or ammonium salt is formed. Disclosed in the application are metallic or ammonium salts of diazotized mono or dinitrodihydroxyaminobenzenes, processes for their preparation and their use as igniting agents for priming compositions and explosives.