The Crystal and Molecular Structure of a New Propellant Compound Triaminoguanidinium Azide Nitrate (TAZN)

Abstract : A new high nitrogen propellant compound, triaminoguanidinium azide nitrate (TAZN), has been discovered. Single crystal x-ray diffraction data were obtained. The crystal and molecular structure of this orthorhombic (Pbca) compound was determined. Comparisons between the structures of TAGN and TAZN are discussed with emphasis upon possible hydrogen bonding. Triaminoguanidinium salts (TAG+) apparently accelerate the burning rates of cyclic nitramine (RDX, HMX) based propellants, the nitrate (TAGN) with its relatively low flame temperature (2600 K) has been used with RDX formulations not only to accelerate burning rates but to reduce flash and erosion. Over the years interest in triaminoguanidinium azide (TAZ) with its low flame temperature (2308 K) has inspired propellant chemists to synthesize it.