Analysis of the Explosive Properties of Tetrasulfur Tetranitride, S₄N₄

Abstract

The explosive properties of tetrasulfur tetranitride, S4N4, are reviewed and analysed. S4N4 is an explosive compound with an impact sensitivity comparable to pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) (Ei=4 J) but a friction sensitivity equal or even lower than lead azide (F=0.1–1 N). S4N4 has primary explosive properties. It has a working capacity greater than silver azide, AgN3, and is capable to initiate TNT. S4N4 shows an unusual non‐linear density/detonation velocity relationship which is due to different stability regimes of sulfur species present in the Chapman Jouguet zone. S4N4 is stable, non‐ageing, non‐toxic, insoluble in water and hence an interesting candidate for future lead tricinate replacement.

Polymerization of Primary Amines with Sulfur Monochloride to Yield Red Polymers with a Conjugated SN Backbone

“…17−25 Unfortunately, its applications are limited due to its unstable nature that leads to degradation in water or under atmospheric conditions to give a gray powder. 2,3,12,17,26,27 Although a large diversity of small organic compounds containing sulfur−nitrogen bonds have been studied for their biological activities 4,28−48 and synthesis of transition-metal complexes, 49−52 surprisingly few polymers possess nitrogen−sulfur bonds along the backbone. 30,53,54 We recently reported the synthesis of polysulfenamides, polydiaminosulfides, and polydiaminodisulfides, but these polymers possess sp 3 hybridized carbon atoms along their backbones that interrupt conjugation.…”

“…Polythiazyl (SN) x was first synthesized in 1906 and contains alternating sulfur and nitrogen atoms along its backbone (Figure ). − It has many interesting properties such as being one of only two examples of a synthetic polymer that is metallic at room temperature under atmospheric pressure and in the absence of doping. − This polymer is also superconducting with a critical temperature of 0.3 K. − Unfortunately, its straightforward composition does not lead to simple methods to alter its structure or properties, most research has described doping with different chemicals. − This polymer has been heavily investigated since its discovery, and different methods to synthesize it and its derivatives have been developed as well as numerous potential applications that take advantage of its electrical conductivity through the alternating sulfur–nitrogen bonds. − Unfortunately, its applications are limited due to its unstable nature that leads to degradation in water or under atmospheric conditions to give a gray powder. ,,,,, Although a large diversity of small organic compounds containing sulfur–nitrogen bonds have been studied for their biological activities ,− and synthesis of transition-metal complexes, − surprisingly few polymers possess nitrogen–sulfur bonds along the backbone. ,, We recently reported the synthesis of polysulfenamides, polydiaminosulfides, and polydiaminodisulfides, but these polymers possess sp 3 hybridized carbon atoms along their backbones that interrupt conjugation. ,,,…”