Fused heterocycle-based energetic materials (2012–2019)

Fused cyclic energetic materials, a unique class of large conjugate structures which contain two or more rings that share two atoms and the bond between the rings, have been identified as promising contenders to traditional energetic materials. With a coplanar polycyclic structure, fused heterocyclic ring-based energetic materials feature considerably higher heats of formation (HOF) and ring-strain energy stored in the molecules. These result in attractive features of good energetic performance, enhanced thermal stability and low sensitivity toward destructive mechanical stimuli, which increases the safety of the synthesis, transfer, and storage of high-energy density compounds. This review addresses the chemistry of fused heterocyclic compounds, which provide valuable scaffolds for more powerful and less sensitive eco-friendly energetic materials. The reactions that are selected and discussed illustrate the versatility of 64 different fused heterocycles designed as building blocks for the synthesis of a wide range of high-performance energetic materials.