Silver salt of 5,5’-bistetrazole-1,1’-diolate: a primary explosive with powerful detonation performance

A novel high-energy-density material, the silver(I) complex of 5,5’-bistetrazole-1,1’-diolate (Ag2(BTO)), was synthesized via a double replacement reaction. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed a dense three-dimensional coordination framework (3.985 g·cm−3) crystallizing in the monoclinic space group P21/m. The compound exhibits outstanding explosive performance with a calculated detonation velocity of 7846 m·s−1 and a detonation pressure of 38.77 GPa, surpassing common explosives like Diazodinitrophenol (DDNP). Crucially, Ag2(BTO) demonstrates an exceptional safety profile for a primary explosive, with low mechanical sensitivities (impact sensitivity: 2 J; friction sensitivity: 56 N) and high thermal stability (decomposition onset at 311.75°C; 5s-burst point at 292.0°C). Its initiation ability, tested in a standard detonator assembly, was found to be comparable to that of lead azide. The combination of high energy density, superior thermal stability, low mechanical sensitivity, and effective initiation capability positions Ag2(BTO) as a highly promising candidate for advanced, thermally resistant, and environmentally benign initiating explosive systems.