An improved synthesis of 5-amino-3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazole (ANTA), a useful intermediate for the preparation of insensitive high explosives

Abstract

Treatment of the ammonium salt of 3,5-dinitro-1H-1,2,4-triazole (ADNT) with hydrazine hydrate gives 5-amino-3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazole (ANTA) in greater than 90% yields. In addition to its potential use as an insensitive high explosive, ANTA has been shown to be a useful intermediate for the preparation of other explosives.