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The catalytic hydrogenation of both 1 and 2-pyrazoline was studied in order to obtain the pyrazolidine. Among the studied catalysts, the Pd/C type catalyst permitted to hydrogenate the 1-pyrazoline but did not hydrogenate 2-pyrazoline. A slow hydrogenation of 2-pyrazoline occurred with a Pt/C and a mixed Pd/Pt/C catalyst. We demonstrated that catalyst poisoning occurred, which is due to the presence of the NH link of the 2-pyrazoline, blocking the active centers of the catalyst. At least, the Rh/C catalyst permitted to hydrogenate the mixture of 1 and 2-pyrazolines with a quantitative yield. The experiments showed that it was possible to reduce the reaction time by using catalysts having different specific areas. The Raney nickel catalyst also gave good results but its use requires much more precautions. Two process schemes were then established, taking into account both the synthesis of the 1 and 2-pyrazolines and their hydrogenation.

Another route to obtain pyrazolidine was developed. It consists of a three step mechanism, which involves, first, the sequential formation of N,N′-dichloro-1,3-diaminopropane starting from 1,3-diaminopropane and sodium hypochlorite, second, a dehydrohalogenation of the dichloro derivative leading to 1-pyrazoline and 2-pyrazoline and finally, the hydrogenation of these two derivatives in order to obtain the compound of interest. In this paper, our study was focused on the kinetics of the formation of 1-pyrazoline and 2-pyrazoline. A kinetic model was proposed and then validated by experimental results. A quantum calculation (Gaussian09/CBS-QB3) was performed in order to determine the stability of the 1 and 2-pyrazolines. It showed that the 2-pyrazoline is more stable than the 1-pyrazoline. This process has been validated on the ISOCHEM production site.

1,1,4,4-Tetramethyl-2-tetrazene (TMTZ) is considered as a prospective replacement for toxic hydrazines used in liquid rocket propulsion. The heat of formation of TMTZ was computed and measured, giving values well above those of the hydrazines commonly used in propulsion. This led to a predicted maximum Isp of 337 s for TMTZ/N2 O4 mixtures, which is a value comparable to that of monomethylhydrazine. We found that TMTZ has a vapor pressure well below that of liquid hydrazines, and it is far less toxic. Finally, an improved synthesis is proposed, which is compatible with existing industrial production facilities after minor changes. TMTZ is thus an attractive liquid propellant candidate, with a performance comparable to hydrazines but a lower vapor pressure and toxicity.

This report is a summary of our work on energetic materials. Herein, triazole-, tetrazole-, 2-tetrazene- and hydrazine-based energetic compounds are described. An overview of the synthetic methods and of the problematic around the quest of new explosives is given. Hydrogen-bonding formation and alkylation (methylation) reactions were studied as a mean to decrease the sensitivities towards classical stimuli and increase their thermal and chemical stability. 15N NMR spectroscopy is a valuable tool for the assignment of the methylation site in keeping with the results of the crystal structure analysis. Lastly, the thermal/chemical stability, sensitivity data and energetic performance of the compounds is described.

N-aminopiperidine (NAPP) belongs to a large family of compounds, namely the cyclic alkylhydrazines, used as precursors for different targets in fine chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The formation of NAPP via the Raschig process by reacting piperidine (C5H10NH, PP) with monochloramine (NH2Cl) involves many side-reactions because of the reactivity of the latter. An exhaustive kinetic model, which reflects the rate of NAPP formation and that of side-reactions occurring during the synthesis of NAPP, was established. Additionally, a comparative study of theoretical and experimental concentration-time curves permitted to verify the accuracy of the model in a diluted medium. Moreover, the established kinetic model allowed to define the optimal conditions for NAPP synthesis in a concentrated medium, by varying the reactants concentrations, [PP]/[NH2Cl] ratio, pH and temperature. Hence, the application of the kinetic model enabled to optimize the reaction in view of its transfer to a continuous process.

A new strategy for the synthesis of N-aminopiperidine (NAPP) was developed using hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (HOSA). A systematic study of NAPP formation and degradation reactions was carried out in diluted medium, in order to identify products and to establish a kinetic modelling. Principal parameters have been defined, in particular, that obtaining high yields (>90%) requires non stoichiometric conditions. The extraction and purification processes were also studied. NAPP isolation and piperidine recycling were optimized after the establishment of the various solid-liquid-liquid and liquid-vapour implied phase diagrams. At least, a calorimetric study of solvatation and reaction enthalpies was undertaken in order to estimate reactor heating temperature in the case of anhydrous synthesis. The combination of our kinetic, thermodynamic and calorimetric data allows the establishment of two process schemes: one using pure piperidine, the other, a 66 w% titrating azeotropic solution in piperidine.

1,1,1-Trimethylhydrazinium iodide ([(CH(3))(3)N-NH(2)]I, 1) was reacted with a silver salt to form the corresponding nitrate ([(CH(3))(3)N-NH(2)][NO(3)], 2), perchlorate ([(CH(3))(3)N-NH(2)][ClO(4)], 3), azide ([(CH(3))(3)N-NH(2)][N(3)], 4), 5-amino-1H-tetrazolate ([(CH(3))(3)N-NH(2)][H(2)N-CN(4)], 5), and sulfate ([(CH(3))(3)N-NH(2)](2)[SO(4)]·2H(2)O, 6·2H(2)O) salts. The metathesis reaction of compound 6·2H(2)O with barium salts led to the formation of the corresponding picrate ([(CH(3))(3)N-NH(2)][(NO(2))(3)Ph-O], 7), dinitramide ([(CH(3))(3)N-NH(2)][N(NO(2))(2)], 8), 5-nitrotetrazolate ([(CH(3))(3)N-NH(2)][O(2)N-CN(4)], 9), and nitroformiate ([(CH(3))(3)N-NH(2)][C(NO(2))(3)], 10) salts. Compounds 1-10 were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, infrared/Raman spectroscopy, and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, (13)C, and (15)N). Additionally, compounds 1, 6, and 7 were also characterized by low-temperature X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD). Ba(NH(4))(NT)(3) (NT=5-nitrotetrazole anion) was accidentally obtained during the synthesis of the 5-nitrotetrazole salt 9 and was also characterized by low-temperature XRD. Furthermore, the structure of the [(CH(3))(3)N-NH(2)](+) cation was optimized using the B3LYP method and used to calculate its vibrational frequencies, NBO charges, and electronic energy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to assess the thermal stabilities of salts 2-5 and 7-10, and the sensitivities of the materials towards classical stimuli were estimated by submitting the compounds to standard (BAM) tests. Lastly, we computed the performance parameters (detonation pressures/velocities and specific impulses) and the decomposition gases of compounds 2-5 and 7-10 and those of their oxygen-balanced mixtures with an oxidizer.

1,1-Dimethylhydrazine can be readily alkylated with bromoacetonitrile to form 1-cyanomethyl-1,1-dimethylhydrazinium bromide ([(CH(3))(2)N(CH(2)CN)NH(2)]Br, 1). The metathesis reaction of compound 1 led to the formation of a new family of energetic salts based on the [(CH(3))(2)N(CH(2)CN)NH(2)](+) cation and nitrate (2), perchlorate (3), azide (4), 5-aminotetrazolate ([H(2)N-CN(4)](-), 5), 5,5'-azobistetrazolate ([N(4)C-N=N-CN(4)](2-), 7), and picrate (8) anions. The new materials were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and (multinuclear) NMR and vibrational (infrared and Raman) spectroscopies. Additionally, the molecular structure of the [(CH(3))(2)N(CH(2)CN)NH(2)](+) cation in compounds 1, 3, and 8 and that of sodium 5,5'-azobistetrazolate octahydrate (NaZT·8H(2)O) were solved by X-ray diffraction techniques. The hydrogen-bonding networks found in the structure of salts 1, 3, 8, and NaZT·8H(2)O are described using graph-set analysis. The melting and decomposition points of the new compounds were determined by differential scanning calorimetry, and insight into their sensitivity towards impact, friction, and electrostatics was gained by submitting the materials to standard tests. Furthermore, we estimated some performance parameters of interest and predicted the decomposition gases formed upon decomposition of salts 2-8 and of mixtures with an oxidizer. The interesting thermal, sensitivity, and performance properties of some of the compounds described in this work make them attractive towards a prospective energetic application.

A new route to synthesize N-aminopiperidine (NAPP) from hydroxylamine-O-sulfonique acid (HOSA) and piperidine was described. Kinetics of the reaction was investigated to optimize the conditions of the synthesis. Since the reaction is fast, this study was carried out in a diluted medium (10−3 to 10−2 mol/l). To determine the concentration of the reaction product, NAPP was allowed to react with formaldehyde and the product was analysed by UV and HPLC techniques. The formation of NAPP is consistent with the first-order reaction to two reagents, governed by the nucleophilic substitution via SN2 mechanism. Oxidation of NAPP by HOSA was identified as the main secondary reaction which consistently reduced the yield of NAPP. A number of differential equations were elaborated and solution of these equations serves to predict the behavior of the system as a function of the reagent concentrations, pH and temperature. From the corresponding mathematical treatment a unique implicit expression was derived that characterizes the reaction medium. It was found that the [PP]0/[HOSA]0 molar ratio (p), the initial concentrations of [PP]0 and [HOSA]0, the ratio of rate constants k 2/k 1 and temperature are the only parameters that affect the yield of NAPP from HOSA. The results calculated from this model are in good agreement with the experimental data and they can be used to determine the optimal conditions of the reaction.

The Raschig synthesis of hydroxyethylhydrazine (HEH) is studied, that is, the reaction of monochloramine on ethanolamine. The formation of HEH is monitored by UV spectrometry, and the influence of temperature and pH is studied. The primary reaction is an SN2-type mechanism, whereas the main secondary reaction is the oxidation of HEH by monochloramine. This reaction is also monitored by UV spectrometry, and the oxidation product is identified by GC–MS analysis, showing the formation of hydroxyethylhydrazone. The reaction mechanisms and the rate constants were determined, and the results permit establishing the main reactions occurring during HEH synthesis. These reactions were validated in a concentrated medium, with the systematic study of the influence of the molar ratio p ([HEH]0/[NH2Cl]0) and the final sodium hydroxide concentration and temperature. A comparison is made with the other synthesis process already published, that is, the alkylation of hydrazine by either chloroethanol or epoxide. © 2011 Wiley Peiodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 331–344, 2011

To optimize yields, the study of reaction kinetics related to the synthesis of 2-hydroxyethylhydrazine (HEH) obtained from the alkylation of N2H4 by 2-chloroethanol (CletOH) was carried out with and without sodium hydroxide. In both cases, the main reaction of HEH formation was followed by a consecutive, parallel reaction of HEH alkylation (or dialkylation of N2H4), leading to the formation of two isomers: 1,1-di(hydroxyethyl)hydrazine and 1,2-di(hydroxyethyl)hydrazine. In this study, hydrazine and hydroxyalkylhydrazine alkylations followed SN2 reactions triggered directly by CletOH or indirectly in the presence of a strong base by ethylene oxide, an intermediate compound. The kinetics was studied in diluted mediums by quantifying HEH and CletOH by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The activation parameters of each reaction and the influence of a strong base present in the medium on the reaction mechanisms were established. A global mathematical treatment was applied for each alternative. It allowed modeling the reactions as a function of reagent concentrations and temperature. In the case of direct alkylation by CletOH, simulation was established for semi-batch and batch syntheses and was confirmed in experiments for concentrated mediums (1.0 M ≤ [CletOH]0 ≤ 3.2 M and 15.7 M ≤ [N2H4]0 ≤ 18.8 M). Simulation therefore permits the prediction of the instantaneous concentration of reagents and products, in particular ethylene oxide concentration in the case of indirect alkylation, which must be as weak as possible. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 382–393, 2009

International audience; The kinetics of the oxidation of N-aminopiperidine with chloramine was studied at different temperatures, with variable concentrations of the two reactants and at a pH ranging between 12 and 13.5. The reaction showed to be involving two steps: the first corresponded to the formation of a diazene intermediate, the second to the evolution of this intermediate into numerous compounds within a complex reactional chain. The rate law of the first step was determined by the Ostwald method and found to be first order with respect to each reactant. The rate constant was determined at pH = 12.89 and T = 25°C: k2 = 1.15  105 exp(-39/RT) M-1 s-1 (E2 in kJ mol-1) With decreasing pH value, the first step exhibited acid catalysis phenomena, and diazene was converted into azopiperidine particularly faster. This created overlapping UV-absorptions between chloramine and azopiperidine, also observed in HPLC. GC/MS analyses were used to identify some of the numerous by-products formed. Their proportions are dependent of both pH and the reactants' concentrations ratio. A reaction mechanism taking this relationship into account, was suggested.

by Chaza Darwich*a), Mazen Elkhatibb), Georg Steinhauserc), and Henri Delalua) a) Laboratoire Hydrazines et Procedes, UMR 5179 UCBL-CNRS-ISOCHEM (groupe SNPE), Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bâtiment Berthollet, 22 Avenue Gaston Berger, F-69622 Villeurbanne Cedex (phone: þ 33-4-72431410; fax: þ 33-4-72431291; e-mail: chaza.darwich@univ-lyon1.fr) b) Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Sciences, Section 3, Department of Chemistry, P. O. Box 826, Tripoli, Lebanon c) Vienna University of Technology, Atominstitut der sterreichischen Universit ten, Stadionallee 2, A-1020 Vienna

After an exhaustive study of the system ammonia–dimethylchloramine in liquid ammonia, it was interesting to compare the reactivity of this system in liquid ammonia with the same system in an aqueous medium. Dimethylchloramine prepared in a pure state undergoes dehydrohalogenation in an alkaline medium: the principal products formed are N-methylmethanimine, 1,3,5-trimethylhexahydrotriazine, formaldehyde, and methylamine. The kinetics of this reaction was studied by UV, GC, and HPLC as a function of temperature, initial concentrations of sodium hydroxide, and chlorinated derivative. The reaction is of the second order and obeys an E2 mechanism (k1 = 4.2 × 10−5 M−1 s−1, ΔH○# = 82 kJ mol−1, ΔS○# = −59 J mol−1 K−1). The oxidation of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine by dimethylchloramine involves two consecutive processes. The first step follows a first-order law with respect to haloamine and hydrazine, leading to the formation of an aminonitrene intermediate (k2 = 150 × 10−5 M−1 s−1). The second step corresponds to the conversion of aminonitrene into formaldehyde dimethylhydrazone at pH 13). This reaction follows a first-order law (k3 = 23.5 × 10−5 s−1). The dimethylchloramine–ammonia interaction corresponds to a SN2 bimolecular mechanism (k4 = 0.9 × 10−5 M−1 s−1, pH 13, and T = 25°C). The kinetic model formulated on the basis of the above reactions shows that the formation of the hydrazine in an aqueous medium comes under strong competition from the dehydrohalogenation of dimethylchloramine and the oxidation of the hydrazine formed by the original chlorinated derivative. A global model that explains the mechanisms both in an anhydrous and in an aqueous medium was elaborated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 340–351, 2008

International audience; The use of ab initio and DFT methods to calculate the enthalpies of formation of solid ionic compounds is described. The results obtained from the calculations are then compared with those from experimental measurements on nitrogen-rich salts of the 2,2-dimethyltriazanium cation (DMTZ) synthesized in our laboratory and on other nitrogen-rich ionic compounds. The importance of calculating accurate volumes and lattice enthalpies for the determination of heats of formation is also discussed. Furthermore, the crystal structure and hydrogen-bonding networks of the nitroformate salt of the DMTZ cation is described in detail. Lastly, the theoretical heats of formation were used to calculate the specific impulses (I-sp) of the salts of the DMTZ cation in view of a prospective application in propellant formulations.

Amination of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine with NH2 Cl or hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid yields 2,2-dimethyltriazanium (DMTZ) chloride (3) and sulphate (4), respectively. The DMTZ cation was paired with the nitrogen-rich anions 5-aminotetrazolate (5), 5-nitrotetrazolate (6), 5,5'-azobistetrazolate (7), and azide (8), yielding a new family of energetic salts. The synthesis was carried out by metathesis reactions of salts 3 or 4 and a suitable silver or barium salt. To minimize the risks involved when using heavy metal salts, we used electrodialysis for the synthesis of azide 8, which avoids the use of highly sensitive species. The DMTZ derivatives were characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Thermal stabilities were measured using DSC analysis and their sensitivities towards classical stimuli were determined using standard tests. Lastly, the relationship between hydrogen bonding in the solid state and sensitivity is discussed.

The rate of the oxidation of N-amino-3-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane by chloramine has been studied by GC and HPLC between pH 10.5 and 13.5. The second-order reaction exhibits specific acid catalysis. The formation of N,N′-azo-3-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane or 3,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-2-ene is pH, concentration, and temperature dependent. In alkaline media, the exclusive formation of 3,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-2-ene is observed. Kinetic studies show that the oxidation of N-amino-3-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane by chloramine is a multistep process with the initial formation of a diazene-type intermediate, which is converted by hydroxide ions into 3,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-2-ene. Because it was not possible to follow the rate of change of the intermediate concentration, to determine the kinetics of 3,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-2-ene formation, a procedure based on the degeneration of the precursor process was adopted. An appropriate mathematical treatment allowed a quantitative interpretation of all the phenomena observed over the given pH interval. The activation parameters were determined. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 327–338, 2006

The synthesis of 1-amino-2-methylindoline by the Raschig process was undertaken in aqueous solution. The principal side reaction that occurs in the medium is the oxidation of 1-amino-2-methylindoline formed by chloramine. To increase the yield of 1-amino-2-methylindoline, its oxidation by chloramine was studied by GC and HPLC at various concentrations of reactants and for a pH interval ranging between 9.9 and 13.5. The reaction is bimolecular and exhibits a specific acid catalysis. In alkaline medium, 1-amino-2-methylindole is the principal product. The enthalpy and entropy of activation were determined at pH 12.89. In unbuffered solution, the interaction was autocatalyzed by the ammonium ions formed, which indicates a competitive oxidation of neutral and ionic forms of 1-amino-2-methylindoline by chloramine. A mathematical treatment based on one implicit equation allows a quantitative interpretation of all the phenomena observed over the above pH interval. It takes both acid–base dissociation equilibrium and alkaline hydrolysis of chloramine into account. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 515–523, 2002

The reduction of chloramine, methylchloramine, dimethylchloramine and N-chloro-3-azabicyclo­[3.3.0]octane by sodium borohydride was studied according to pH, temperature and concentrations of haloamine and reducing agent. The interaction is bimolecular and exhibits a specific acid catalysis. The enthalpy and entropy of activation were determined at pH 12.89. A mathematical treatment of the reaction kinetics allows the complete characterization of the final state and determination of the percentage of reduced haloamine in terms of [NaBH4]/[R1R2NCl] ratio, pH and temperature. A reaction mechanism is proposed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The reaction between chloramine and 2-methylindoline was studied at pH 12.89, T = 40°C, and for different initial concentrations of reactants. The interaction includes two concurrent bimolecular mechanisms leading to 1-amino-2-methylindoline and 2-methylindole. The rate laws were determined at the first moments of the reaction by using a differential method. By considering the totality of the reactions that occur in the medium, an appropriate mathematical model was developed. It permits to follow the evolution of the system over time and to calculate the final yields of reaction products. An optimization in terms of the initial contents of 2-methylindoline and chloramine was performed. It indicated that the maximum yield of 1-amino-2-methylindoline does not exceed 56%. The results show the limit of the Raschig process for the synthesis of indolic hydrazines in aqueous medium. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 575–584, 2002

We synthesized nitrosamines (R2N-NO) with R = iPr (1), nPr (2), nBu (3), and hydroxyethyl (4) from the amine using sodium nitrite/p-toluenesulfonic acid in CH2Cl2. The rate of formation of 1-4 increases in the direction iPr

The formation of 3-azabicyclo[3,3,0]oct-2-ene in the course of the synthesis of N-amino-3-azabicyclo[3,3,0]octane using the Raschig process results from the following two consecutive reactions: chlorine transfer between the monochloramine and the 3-azabicyclo[3,3,0]octane followed by a dehydrohalogenation of the substituted haloamine. The kinetics of the reaction were studied by HPLC and UV as a function of temperature (15 to 44°C), and the concentrations of NaOH (0.1 to 1 M) and the chlorinated derivative (1 to 4×10−3 M). The reaction is bimolecular (k=103×10−6 M−1 s−1; ΔH0#=89 kJ mol−1; and ΔS0#=−33.6 J mol−1 K−1) and has an E2 mechanism. The spectral data of 3-azabicyclo[3,3,0]oct-2-ene were determined. IR, NMR, and ES/MS analysis show dimerization of the water-soluble monomer into a white insoluble dimer. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet: 30: 129–136, 1998.

N,N -dialkylhyrdrazines R 2 NNH 2 can be prepared by the controlled oxidation of an amine R 2 NH by chloramine. The synthesis is carried out under stoichiometric conditions owing to the existence of side reactions which limit the yield. An appropriate mathematical treatment of the reaction kinetics allows complete characterization of the final state from one implicit equation and analytical expressions. The formulae established when R is the methyl group reveal the pilot parameters of the synthesis and permit study of the limiting cases.

The synthesis of two formyl 2-tetrazenes, namely, (E)-1-formyl-1,4,4-trimethyl-2-tetrazene (2) and (E)-1,4-diformyl-1,4-dimethyl-2-tetrazene (3), by oxidation of (E)-1,1,4,4-tetramethyl-2-tetrazene (1) using potassium permanganate in acetone solution is presented. Compound 3 was also synthesized in an improved yield from the oxidation of 1-formyl-1-methylhydrazine (4a) using potassium permanganate in acetone. Both compounds 2 and 3 were characterized by analytical (elemental analysis, GC-MS) and spectroscopic methods ((1)H, (13)C, and (15)N NMR spectroscopy, and IR and Raman spectroscopy). In addition, the solid-state structures of the compounds were confirmed by low-temperature X-ray analysis. (Compound 2: triclinic; space group P-1; a=5.997(1) A, b=8.714(1) A, c=13.830(2) A; α=107.35(1)°, β=90.53(1)°, γ=103.33(1)°; V(UC) =668.9(2) A(3); Z=4; ρ(calc)=1.292 cm(-3). Compound 3: monoclinic; space group P2(1)/c; a=5.840(2) A, b=7.414(3) A, c=8.061(2) A; β=100.75(3)°; V(UC)=342(2) A(3); Z=2; ρ(calc)=1.396 g cm(-3).) The vibrational frequencies of compounds 2 and 3 were calculated using the B3LYP method with a 6-311+G(d,p) basis set. We also computed the natural bond orbital (NBO) charges using the rMP2/aug-cc-pVDZ method and the heats of formation were determined on the basis of their electronic energies. Furthermore, the thermal stabilities of these compounds, as well as their sensitivity towards classical stimuli, were also assessed by differential scanning calorimetry and standard BAM tests, respectively. Lastly, the attempted synthesis of (E)-1,2,3,4-tetraformyl-2-tetrazene (6) is also discussed.