High purity (E)‐1,1,4,4‐tetramethyl‐2‐tetrazene synthesis, characterization, and properties: A hypergolic nontoxic prospective alternative to hydrazines

Abstract 1,1,4,4‐Tetramethyl‐2‐tetrazene (TMT Z ) as a hypergolic nontoxic prospective alternative was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis. The highest yield and purity can be obtained at the experimental parameters (UDMH/NH 2 Cl ratio 3:1; reaction time 20 min; extraction 15 min by ether, room temperature), in which the overall molar yield of TMTz is over 90%, with a purity up to 98.8%. The detailed synthesis mechanism was revealed by density functional theory methods (DFT). The high purity of TMTz can be explained by the intermediate diazene self react formed TMTz without energy barriers. The boiling point of TMTz is 135°C, which is higher than that of the MMH. It is hypergolic with green nitrous oxide. This study provides a feasible synthesis approach of high purity TMTz conducted at room temperature.