From zwitterion 5-diazonium-3-trinitromethyl-1,2,4-triazolate to high-energy salts with relatively low sensitivity

•Four energrtic salts based on 3-azido-5-dinitromethyl-1,2,4-triazole were synthesized.•These salts all show lower mechanical sensitivity (IS ≥ 3 J) compared to zwitterion 5-diazonium-3-trinitromethyl-1,2,4-triazolate (IS < 1 J).•Hydrazinium salt (compound 3) exhibits the best overall performance (Dv = 9176 m s–1, Td = 170 °C, IS = 10 J) and has the potential to be a secondary explosive. High energy in energetic materials often leads to high sensitivity, which can diminish their utility. The zwitterion 5-diazonium-3-trinitromethyl-1,2,4-triazolate possesses extremely high energy (Dv = 9317 m s–1), but the sensitivity is exceptionally high (IS < 1 J). Here, we cleverly convert the diazo groups into azido groups, thus disrupting its internal salt structure. Subsequently, by adding appropriate bases, four energetic salts with 3-azido-5-dinitromethyl-1,2,4-triazole as the anion are prepared. While maintaining high energy, the sensitivity of all energetic salts is reduced (Dv ≥ 8444 m s–1, IS ≥ 3 J). Among them, compound 3 exhibits the best overall performance (Dv = 9176 m s–1, Td = 170 °C, IS = 10 J) and has the potential to be a secondary explosive. Taming high-energy sensitive materials (zwitterion 5-diazonium-3-trinitromethyl-1,2,4-triazolate) in two steps. A series of energetic salts based on 5-azido-3 dinitromethyl-1,2,4-triazole were synthesized, which exhibit high energy and acceptable sensitivity characteristics. [Display omitted]