Conversion of the rocket propellant UDMH to a reagent useful in vicarious nucleophilic substitution reactions
The objective of our program is to develop novel, innovative solutions for the disposal of surplus energetic materials resulting from the demilitarization of conventional and nuclear munitions. In this report we describe the use of surplus propellant (UDMH) and explosives (TNT, Explosive D) as chemical precursors for higher value products. The conversion of UDMH to 1,1,1-trimethylhydrazinium iodide (TMHI) provides a new aminating reagent for use in Vicarious Nucleophilic Substitution (VNS) reactions. When TMHI is reacted with various nitroarenes the amino functionality is introduced in good to excellent yields. Thus, 2,4,6-trinitroaniline (picramide) reacts with TMHI to give 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitroaniline (TATB) while 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) reacts with TMHI to give 3,5-diamino-2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (DATNT). The advantages, scope and limitations of the VNS approach and the use of TMHI are discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 226422
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC--122489; CONF-951262--7; ON: DE96009322
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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