R. Meyer J. Köhler A. Homburg Explosives

Centralite I
Centralite I
diethyldiphenylurea; symm. Diethyldiphenylharnstoff;
diéthyldiphénylurée; Ethyl Centralite; Carbamite
colorless crystals
empirical formula: C17H20N2O
molecular weight: 268.4
energy of formation: –68.2 kcal/kg = –285.6 kJ/kg
enthalpy of formation: –93.5 kcal/kg = –391.5 kJ/kg
oxygen balance: –256.4%
nitrogen content: 10.44%
density: 1.112 g/cm3 melting point: 71.5–72 °C = 161–162°F
boiling point: 326–330 °C = 618–625°F
Centralite I, II and III are used as W Stabilizers in gunpowders, especially
in nitroglycerine powders (W Double Base Propellants). It is
insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents.
Centralites are not only stabilizers, but gelatinizers as well. The latter
property is taken advantage of in solvent-free manufacture of double
base propellants.
Specifications
solidification point: not less than
molten material: bright clear pale liquid
71 °C = 160°F
ashes: not more than 0.1 %
volatiles: not more than 0.1 %
acetone solution:
secondary and tertiary amines:
clear,
no residue
not more than 0.1 %
chlorides as HCl: not more than 0.001 %
reaction: neutral
acidity: not more than 0.04 %
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