Studies of Novel Nitro Substituted Nitrogen Heterocyclic Compounds

Extensive nitration studies have been carried out towards the preparation of a series of high energy insensitive explosives. Systems investigated include quinoxalines, quinazolines and pyrazines. A novel candidate explosive, 2,5-diamino-3,6-dinitropyrazine (ANPZ-i) has been produced via a novel nitration of the precursor dialkoxypyrazine compound. Oxidation of ANPZ-i towards the di-N-oxide derivative was studied but no degree of oxidation could be achieved. A range of benzodiazines (quinazolines and quinoxalines) were nitrated giving a series of novel nitro-substituted compounds. 2,4-Diamino-6,8-dinitroquinazoline was both oxidised and aminated successfully, but it was found in general that a high level of functionalisation of the heterocyclic rings was difficult to attain. In summary a novel candidate explosive has been prepared, along with a series of novel nitro-explosive precursor compounds. It is hoped that this work can feed into future research into high energy insensitive fillers.