Form III of 2,2,4,4,6,6-hexanitroazobenzene (HNAB-III)

Abstract

The crystal structure of form III of the title compound, HNAB [systematic name: bis(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)diazene], C12H4N 8O12, has finally been solved as a pseudo-merohedral twin (monoclinic space group P21, rather than the orthorhombic space group C2221 suggested by diffraction symmetry) using a dual space recycling method. The significant differences in the room-temperature densities of the three crystalline forms allow examination of molecular differences due to packing arrangements. An interesting relationship with the stilbene analog, HNS, is discussed. Interatomic separations are compared with other explosives and/or nitro-containing compounds. Show more