A simple, one-pot regioselective method for the synthesis of a high-nitrogen tricycle, 2,3,4а,6,7,8а,9,10-octaaza-4,8-dioxo-3,4,4a,7,8,8а,9,9a,10,10а-decahydroanthracene, with a yield of 27% was developed on a starting urea basis as a result of studies focused on finding new, more efficient approaches to the synthesis of high-energy derivatives of dinitramic acid (DNA). This tricycle was further treated to furnish 2,3,4а,6,7,8а,9,10-octaaza-4,8-dioxo-3,4,4a,7,8,8а,9a,10а-octohydroanthracene-9,10-ion-bis(dinitramide). The resultant salt of dinitramic acid exhibited inhibitory properties towards the burning rate of pyrotechnic compositions, reducing it by 30%, and possessed good thermal stability due to a high decomposition temperature above 260 °C and a low sensitivity to mechanical stimuli. The structural features of the new tricycle-based dinitramide salt were characterized via 2D NMR spectroscopy and double-focusing sector mass spectrometry (DFS).
Keywords: anthracene hetero derivative; burning rate inhibitor; dinitramide; ionic salts; tricyclization reaction.