Initial reaction steps in the condensed-phase decomposition of propellants

Understanding the reaction mechanisms for the decomposition of NO2-containing energetic materialsin the condensed phase is critical to our development of detailed kinetic models of these energetic materials in propellant combustion. To date, the reaction mechanisms in the condensed phase have been represented by global reactions. The detailed elementary reactions subsequent to the initial NO2 bond scissioning are not known. Using quantum chemical calculations, we have investigated the possible early steps in the decomposition of energetic materials that can occur in the condensed phase. We have used methylnitrate, methylnitramine, and nitroethane as prototypes for O−NO2, N−NO2 and C−NO2 nit…