(544gk) Electrochemical Conversion of Amines to Nitro Explosophores for Energetic Materials

The nitro functional group is present in many secondary high explosives needed by the Department of Defense to meet mission objectives. However, the traditional solution-phase processes by which this functional group is incorporated into small molecules pose risks to the armament life cycle. Such risks include large waste streams, use of corrosive chemicals, low efficiency, and other pollution problems. In order to mitigate these risks to the environment, “greener” synthetic methods need to be developed. Electrochemical reactions offer a more environmentally benign alternative to the traditional synthetic chemistries since they require only electricity, catalytic electrode surfaces, and a solvent. In this work we investigate the conversion of amine functional groups into nitro moieties.