Decomposition of Azo- and Hydrazo-Linked Bis Triazines

In a search for novel energetic materials, azo-linked bis triazines were pursued. Herein the thermal decomposition of 14 simple triazines and 16 hydrazo- or azo-linked bis triazines were studied using mass spectrometry, permanent gas evolution, and differential scanning calorimetry. At temperatures far above the melting/decomposition point, decomposition was complete. Lower temperatures provided insight into the stability of the functional groups pendant to the triazine rings. Decomposition gases were identified by chromatography; they indicated little degradation of the triazine rings. The s-triazine ring system appears very stable, resisting decomposition up to 550°C while its substituents undergo relatively isolated chemistry.