Synthesis and Investigation of Energetic Boron Compounds for Pyrotechnics

Abstract The energetic boron esters tris(1‐ethyl‐5‐aminotetrazolyl) borate, tris(2‐ethyl‐5‐aminotetrazolyl) borate, tris(1‐ethyltetrazolyl) borate, tris(2‐ethyltetrazolyl) borate, and tris(2‐(3‐nitro‐1, 2,4‐triazolyl)ethyl) borate were synthesized and analyzed by NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. Two tetracoordinate borates potassium tetrakis(3‐nitro‐1, 2,4‐triazolyl)borate and potassium bis(4, 4′,5, 5′‐tetranitro‐2, 2′‐bisimidazolyl)borate were synthesized and fully characterized as well. Moreover, the energetic and thermal properties of the energetic boron esters and tetracoordinate borates were determined. The 11B NMR chemical shifts of potassium tetrakis(3‐nitro‐1, 2,4‐triazolyl)borate and potassium bis(4, 4′,5, 5′‐tetranitro‐2, 2′‐bisimidazolyl)borate were calculated and compared to the experimental values. Tris(1‐ethyl‐5‐aminotetrazolyl) borate was tested as colorant in pyrotechnic formulations with respect to the combustion behavior and color properties as well as the energetic and thermal properties.