R. Meyer J. Köhler A. Homburg Explosives

93 Dibutyl Phthalate
at r = 1.5 g/cm3 deflagration point: 180 °C = 356°F
impact sensitivity: 0.15 kp m = 1.5 N m
The compound is sparingly soluble in water, soluble in methanol and
ethanol, and readily soluble in acetone, nitroglycerine, nitrobenzene,
aniline, pyridine, and acetic acid. It rapidly darkerns in sunlight. It is of
interest for W Lead-free Priming Compositions.
It is prepared by diazotization of W Picramic Acid with sodium nitrite in
a hydrochloric acid solution with efficient cooling. The dark brown
reaction product is purified by dissolution in hot acetone and reprecipitation
with iced water.
In the USA, this diazo compound is used as an initiating explosive. It is
more powerful than mercury fulminate and slightly less so than lead
azide.
For more information on Diazophenols see: Lowe-Ma, Ch., Robin,
A. N. and William, S. W.: Diazophenols – Their Structure and Explosive
Properties, Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, CA
9355–6001; Rept.-Nr.: WC TP 6810 (1987)
Dibutyl Phthalate
Dibutylphthalat; phthalate dibutylique
colorless liquid
empirical formula: C16H22O4
molecular weight: 278.4
energy of formation: –696 kcal/kg = –2913 kJ/kg
enthalpy of formation: –723 kcal/kg = –3027 kJ/kg
oxygen balance: –224.2%
density: 1.045 g/cm3 boiling point at 20 mm Hg: 205 °C = 401°F
Dibutyl phthalate is insoluble in water, but is readily soluble in common
organic solvents. It is used a as gelatinizer and to effect W Surface
Treatment in gunpowder manufacture.
Specifications
net content: no less than 99 %
(analysis by saponification)
ashes: not more than 0.02 %
density: 1.044–1.054 g/cm 3
reaction in alcoholic solution: neutral to
phenolphthaleine