Thermal Decomposition of Energetic Materials 75. T-Jump/Raman Spectroscopy and its Application to High-Nitrogen Compounds

Abstract

Flash pyrolysis of energetic compounds that are unusually rich in nitrogen can be expected to liberate a large amount of N₂ among other products. In addition H₂ and O₂ can be pyrolysis products from other types of energetic compounds. While many kinetics and mechanistic details have been learned from T-jump/FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy, the development of the complementary method of T-jump/Raman spectroscopy described herein helps to complete the elemental atom balance of the gaseous products. Differential Raman scattering cross sections were determined for many of the common gases resulting from pyrolysis of energetic compounds. The spontaneous Raman scattering by the products of hydrazinium [3-nitro-4-nitraminofurazan], poly(bis(3,3′-azidomethyl)-oxetane), poly(glycidyl azide) as the mono-ol derivative, and 5-nitriminotetrazole were determined. Provided that at least one of the quantified species is common to both the IR and Raman spectra, the Raman-based data can be combined with the IR data to give a properly balanced gasification reaction.