Solid+Solid=Liquid: An ON‐Switch for Sensitivity in Deep Eutectic Solvents?

Deep Eutectic Solvents show the low volatility/toxicity of "classical" Ionic Liquids. The formation of a Deep Eutectic Solvent from two solids is the result of intermolecular bonds being weakened or broken and rearranged in completely new networks. The effect of these new bonding arrangements on physical properties like melting point, thermal stability, density, viscosity, and impact sensitivity of some binary mixtures of energetic nitrate salt and nitrogen containing ligands was investigated. With some exceptions the liquids showed increased sensitivity compared to their solid ingredients, which suggest that this might provide an ON-switch for sensitivity. Furthermore, applying the Deep Eutectic Solvent concept to propellant and explosive development may allow incorporation of established energetic solids into liquid applications.