New synthesis of TATB process development studies
We described a new synthesis of 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) in 1996 at the 27th International Annual Conference of ICT. 1,1,1-trialkylhydrazinium salts are highly reactive reagents which aminate nitroaromatic compounds through vicarious nucleophilic substitution (VNS) of hydrogen. When applied to picramide, these reagents produce TATB in high yield. Traditionally, TATB has been manufactured in the USA by nitration of the relatively expensive and domestically unavailable 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene (TCB) to give 2,4,6-,trichloro- 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TCTNB) which is then aminated to yield TATB. Elevated temperatures (150{degrees}C) are required for both reactions. Our new VNS synthesis potentially affords an inexpensive and a more environmentally benign preparation of TATB. We describe in this report our progress in scaling up the synthesis of TATB from the laboratory to the pilot plant. We will discuss structure and control of impurities, changes in yield/quality with reaction conditions, choice of solvents, workup and product isolation, safety, and environmental considerations. Particle size characterizations as well as small-scale safety and performance testing will also be discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 675028
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC-130089; CONF-980696-; ON: DE98058330; BR: DP0401047
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 29. international conference of ICT, Karlsruhe (Germany), 30 Jun - 3 Jul 1998; Other Information: PBD: 1 Apr 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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New Synthesis of TATB. Scaleup and Product Characterization
New aminating reagents forthe synthesis of 1,3,5-Triamino-2,4,6-Trinitrobenzene (TATB) and other insensitive energetic materials