(E)‐1, 1, 4, 4‐Tetramethyl‐2‐tetrazene (TMTZ): A Prospective Alternative to Hydrazines in Rocket Propulsion. Issue 41 (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• 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
• Is Part Of: Chemistry. Volume 23:Issue 41(2017)
• Page Start: 9897
• Page End: 9907
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: 2-tetrazenes -- energetic materials -- hydrazines -- rocket propulsion -- synthesis optimization; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.201701468
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0947-6539

Abstract

Abstract: 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 I sp of 337 s for TMTZ/N2 O4 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. Abstract : 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.