Preparation and Performance of a BTF/DNB Cocrystal Explosive

Abstract An energetic cocrystal containing benzotrifuroxan (BTF) and 1,3‐dinitrobenzene (DNB) in 1 : 1 molar ratio was prepared by slow evaporation of solvent. The structure of the cocrystal was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD). It belongs to the monoclinic crystal system with space group P 2 1 / c . The performance of the cocrystal was evaluated on the basis of thermolysis, impact sensitivity, and detonation properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that the cocrystal has a melting point of 130 °C, which is an increase of 38 °C compared to pure DNB; the decomposition temperature is similar to that of pure BTF. The cocrystal exhibits an impact height with 50 % ignition probability of 88 cm, suggesting a substantial reduction in impact sensitivity compared to pure BTF. Furthermore, the cocrystal is predicted to have a detonation velocity of about 7373 m s −1 and a detonation pressure of about 24 GPa, respectively, indicating excellent detonation performance.