Tetrazene explosive

Tetrazene explosive
Names
	IUPAC name 1-(5-tetrazolyl)-3-guanyl tetrazene hydrate
	Other names Tetracene
Identifiers
CAS Number	31330-63-9 ; (anhydrous): 776249-85-5 ;
3D model (JSmol)	(anhydrous): Interactive image;
ChemSpider	4589066; (anhydrous): 58541346;
ECHA InfoCard	100.128.336
PubChem CID	5486788; (anhydrous): 123436;
UNII	U3EB9RU4TD ;
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID10953376 ;
	InChI InChI=1S/C2H6N10.H2O/c3-1(4)12(5)11-8-2-6-9-10-7-2;/h11H,5H2,(H3,3,4);1H2 Key: XLZZIAVGIPSWEG-UHFFFAOYSA-N; InChI=2S/C2H6N10/c3-1(4)12(5)11-8-2-6-9-10-7-2/h5H2,(H3,3,4)(H,6,7,9,10); (anhydrous): Key: WSLWDHGXSGRREP-UHFFFAOYSA-N;
	SMILES (anhydrous): N=C(N)N(N)/N=N/C1=NNN=N1;
Properties
Chemical formula	C2H6N10·H2O
Molar mass	188.15 g/mol
Appearance	Pale yellow/colorless crystal plates
Density	1.7 g/cm3
Boiling point	Decomposes at 160 °C (320 °F; 433 K)
Explosive data
Shock sensitivity	High
Friction sensitivity	High
Detonation velocity	~4000 m/s
	Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). verify (what is ?) Infobox references

Tetrazene (1-(5-tetrazolyl)-3-guanyl tetrazene hydrate) is an explosive material used for sensitization of priming compositions. It is a derivative of the compound with the IUPAC name tetrazene.

Tetrazene is slightly more impact-sensitive than mercury fulminate. When pressed enough, its sensitivity is reduced or destroyed; this is known as dead pressing. It also decomposes in boiling water. In contact with fire, it readily explodes, producing large amounts of black smoke. It is prepared by reacting sodium nitrite with an aminoguanidine salt dissolved in acetic acid at 30–40 °C.

Commercially, tetrazene is added in a small proportions to increase the sensitivity of lead styphnate in cap compositions used both in centre-fire (eg shotgun cartridges) and rim-fire (eg 0.22" ammunition) applications. Cap compositions also contain a high proportion of barium nitrate as an oxidising agent, and scintillating compounds such as antimony disulphide or ground glass which cause the heat of the explosion when struck by the firearm firing pin to rapidly dissipate the main charge of either nitrocellulose or cordite.