Synthesis of Biisoxazoletetrakis(methyl nitrate): A Potential Nitrate Plasticizer and Highly Explosive Material

Abstract

The efficient and scalable synthesis of 3,3′‐biisoxazole‐4,4′,5,5′‐tetrakis(methyl nitrate) and its energetic properties are described. The synthesis features a metal‐free [3+2] cycloaddition of an electron‐rich internal alkyne and a nitrile oxide by simple heating, without using halogenated solvents. The material has favorable sensitivity properties, and its energetic properties point toward its potential as a nitrate plasticizer and highly explosive material.