Author Description

The title compound (3) is the first in a series of new structural analogues of the primary explosive KDNBF. (3) readily forms in nearly quantitative yield from reaction of 4,6-dinitrobenzo-furazan 1-oxide with hydroxylamine in the presence of KHCO3 /MeOH, and is isolated as free flowing nearly speherial crystals. The sensitivity of (3) to mechanical, electrostatic and thermal stimuli is typical of a primary explosive. Admixtures of (3) with lead azide are extremely promise as a replacement for tetrazene in percussion and stab sensitive compositions. As a single increment, (3) ignites readily but power output is poor and 'sooty' ie oxygen deficient. (Author).