Explosive characteristics of tetrazene and MTX-1

The explosive tetrazene (1-amino-1(tetrazol-5-yl-diazenyl)guanidine monohydrate) has been actively used in initiating compositions since the beginning of the 20th century, but it has low thermal and hydrolytic stability. As an alternative to tetrazene it was proposed to use 2-(tetrazol-5-yl-diazenyl)guanidine (MTX-1), which is its more thermally stable derivative. However, the decision on the applicability of a particular explosive is primarily made based on its explosive properties, which are not well known for both tetrazene and MTX-1. The objectives of this study was to determine the detonation velocity and heat of explosion of MTX-1 in comparison with tetrazene and explain the results obtained. Calorimetric measurements were carried out in a modified steel bomb. Samples of MTX-1 and tetrazene $\approx$ 1 g) were exploded in helium to determine the heat of explosion and the volume of gases. Experimental data on the critical diameter of both substances were obtained. The detonation velocities of MTX-1 and tetrazene were determined by an electromagnetic method.