Synthesis and Explosive Properties of Dinitropicrylbenzimidazoles, and the 'Trigger Linkage' in Dinitropicrylbenzotriazoles

Abstract

The synthesis of certain dinitropicrylbenzimidazoles and their structural elucidation are described. The explosive properties are discussed, and compared with those of the corresponding benzotriazoles. These comparisons allow the identification of the Pic-N-N=N moiety as containing the 'trigger linkage' for impact initiation of picrylbenzotriazoles.