(E)‐1,1,4,4‐Tetramethyl‐2‐tetrazene (TMTZ): A Prospective Alternative to Hydrazines in Rocket Propulsion

1,1,4,4‐Tetramethyl‐2‐tetrazene (TMTZ) is considered as a prospective replacement for toxic hydrazines used in liquid rocket propulsion. The heat of formation of TMTZ was computed and measured, giving values well above those of the hydrazines commonly used in propulsion. This led to a predicted maxi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemistry : a European journal 2017-07, Vol.23 (41), p.9897-9907
Main Authors: Dhenain, Anne, Darwich, Chaza, Sabaté, Carlos Miró, Le, Duc‐Minh, Bougrine, Anne‐Julie, Delalu, Henri, Lacôte, Emmanuel, Payen, Léa, Guitton, Jérôme, Labarthe, Emilie, Jacob, Guy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
2-tetrazenes
Biocompatibility
Chemistry
energetic materials
Heat of formation
Hydrazines
Industrial production
Pressure
Propulsion
Rocket propulsion
synthesis optimization
Toxicity
Vapor pressure
Vapors
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Summary:1,1,4,4‐Tetramethyl‐2‐tetrazene (TMTZ) is considered as a prospective replacement for toxic hydrazines used in liquid rocket propulsion. The heat of formation of TMTZ was computed and measured, giving values well above those of the hydrazines commonly used in propulsion. This led to a predicted maximum Isp of 337 s for TMTZ/N2O4 mixtures, which is a value comparable to that of monomethylhydrazine. We found that TMTZ has a vapor pressure well below that of liquid hydrazines, and it is far less toxic. Finally, an improved synthesis is proposed, which is compatible with existing industrial production facilities after minor changes. TMTZ is thus an attractive liquid propellant candidate, with a performance comparable to hydrazines but a lower vapor pressure and toxicity. Rocket man: The oxidation 1,1′‐dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) with monochloramine yields 1,1,4,4‐tetramethyl‐2‐tetrazene (TMTZ). The new process has great potential to be used for the large scale continuous synthesis of the compound, which is a promising candidate to replace liquid hydrazines in rocket propulsion.
ISSN:0947-6539
1521-3765
DOI:10.1002/chem.201701468