Octanitropyrazolopyrazole: a gem-trinitromethyl based green high-density energetic oxidizer

Environmental concerns demand the replacement of ammonium perchlorate (AP) by a green oxidizer in composite propellants. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel green high-density energetic oxidizer octanitropyrazolopyrazole (ONPP). With its high specific impulse (256 s), high density (1.997 g cm −3 ) and good thermal stability (160 °C), ONPP can potentially replace AP. Synthesis of a green gem-trinitromethyl-substituted high density energetic-oxidizer 3,6-dinitro-1,4-bis(trinitromethyl)-1,4-dihydropyrazolo[4,3-c]pyrazole with a potential to replace the presently utilized oxidizer ammonium perchlorate is reported.