R. Meyer J. Köhler A. Homburg Explosives

Tetracene
Tetracene
tetrazolyl guanyltetrazene hydrate; Tetrazen; tétrazéne*)
feathery, colorless to pale yellow crystals
empirical formula: C2H8N10O
molecular weight: 188.2
energy of formation: +270.2 kcal/kg = +1130 kJ/kg
enthalpy of formation: +240.2 kcal/kg = +1005 kJ/kg
oxygen balance: –59.5%
nitrogen content: 74.43%
density: 1.7 g/cm3 lead block test: 155 cm3 /10 g
deflagration point: ca. 140 °C = 294 °F
impact sensitivity: 0.1 kp m = 1 N m
Tetrazene is classified as an initiating explosive, but its own initiation
effect is weak.
It is practically insoluble in water, alcohol, ether, benzene, and carbon
tetrachloride. It is prepared by the reaction between aminoguanidine
salts and sodium nitrite.
Tetrazene is an effective primer which decomposes without leaving
any residue behind. It is introduced as an additive to erosion-free
primers based on lead trinitroresorcinate in order to enhance the
response. Its sensitivity to impact and to friction are about equal to
those of mercury fulminate.
Specifications
moisture: not more than 0.3 %
reaction, water extract to
universal indicator paper: no acid
indication
mechanical impurities: none
pouring density; about 0.3 g/cm 3
deflagration point:
not below 138 °C = 280 °F
310
* The structural formula found in the earlier literature: HN-C(=NH)-NH-NH-N=N-
C(=NH)-NH-NH-NO was corrected in 1954 by Patinkin (Chem. Zentr. 1955,
p. 8377).