Mercuric 5-Nitrotetrazole, a Possible Replacement for Lead Azide in Australian Ordnance. Part 1: An Assessment of Preparation Methods

摘要

The preparation of mercuric 5-nitrotetrazole (MNT) via both Cuen2(NT)2 and NaNT.2H2O was investigated. The former route is superior as judged by reproducibility, handleability and yield of MNT, and safety of intermediates - one batch of NaNT.2H2O exploded spontaneously, casting doubts on its stability. Sensitivity data together with limited data for stab sensitivity, initiation and detonation properties are given for each batch of MNT. MNT has definite promise as a replacement for lead azide in detonators.