Microreactor Based Flow Synthesis of 3-Nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one: A Novel Approach for Low-Sensitivity High Explosive

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Chemical Engineering Department, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.

2 Military Technical College, Kobry Elkobbah, Cairo, Egypt.

10.1088/1757-899X/975/1//iccee.2025.460396

Abstract

NTO (3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one) is classified as a common type of insensitive explosive, presenting a unique solution by combining low sensitivity to mechanical stimuli, such as impact and friction, with high thermal stability, all while manifesting performance characteristics close to RDX. Extensive literature has been published on NTO synthesis from its discovery in 1905 to the present employing traditional methods. This article experimentally presents novel approach, efficient and safe synthesis of NTO using microreactor flow technology. The results showed that Dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent and Dimethylformamide-Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMF-DMSO) combination serve as effective solvents for the nitration process within the microreactor. Only (5-minute) as a residence time was utilized significantly reducing reaction time of nitration process compared to the (1.5–2) hours required in traditional methods at 65 °C. This approach resulted in high yield of NTO production at a 1 M concentration achieving yields comparable to or slightly lower than those obtained through traditional techniques. The obtained intermediate and final products underwent analysis assessments by FTIR and DSC.

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