Synthesis and properties of transition metal coordination energetic materials based on a versatile and multifunctional 1-Aminotetrazol-5-one ligand

New energetic transition metal (Co, Cu, Zn, and Cd) coordination compounds (CCs) based on versatile and multifunctional 1-amino-tetrazol-5-one ligand were prepared by using a facile strategy. All the synthesized CCs were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. They crystallize in common space groups with high densities in the range of 2.246 to 2.598 g·cm⁻³ and their onset decomposition temperatures were found in the range of 292 °C (CC1) to 327 °C (CC3). Further investigations revealed that in addition to the coordination bonds the strong hydrogen bond interactions also exist, which ultimately decided the crystal structure engineering and physical properties of the resultant CCs. The mechanical sensitivities towards impact and friction were evaluated using standard methods and as a result, the energetic metal CCs are were classified as insensitive. The flame test of these energetic metal CCs showed a range of characteristic flame colors from light blue to blue-green except for the cadmium coordination compound, which indicates colorless flame. Hence, the insensitivities of these CCs towards impact and friction as well as characteristic flame colors support their potential use as insensitive energetic materials or pyrotechnics.