LAUSR

Abstract Four new energetic nickel complexes of DNDZ [DNDZ = 2-(dinitromethylene)-1,3-diazacyclopentane], Ni(NH3)2(DNDZ)2 (1), Ni(CH3NH2)2(DNDZ)2 (2), Ni(C2H5NH2)2(DNDZ)2 (3) and Ni(C3H7NH2)2(DNDZ)2 (4), have been first synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures studies of 1 and 2 show that the central nickel(II) ion is six-coordinated by two O atoms and two N atoms from two DNDZ− anions and two N atoms from ammonias (methylamines) to form a distorted octahedral structure. Thermal decomposition processes of the four complexes were studied. The kinetic parameters of the exothermic decomposition process, specific heat capacities and adiabatic times-to-explosion for the four complexes were analyzed. All calculation and research results indicate that these complexes present relatively low thermal stability and easily decompose. Sensitivity tests reveal that the complexes are less sensitive to mechanical stimuli.