Role of metal ions in the destruction of TATP: Theoretical considerations
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
9-29-2011
Abstract
The safe decomposition of solid TATP (triacetone triperoxide) explosive is examined theoretically. The route to destruction starts with formation of metal complexes between a metal ion and the TATP molecule. The second step is decomposition of the molecules into stable final products. We examined the structure and stability of both metal ion (including Na +, Cu +, Cu 2+, Co 2+, and Zn 2+) and proton complexes with TATP using quantum chemical calculations at the DFT-PBE0 level of theory. In addition, for each ion complex, we determined the initial steps in the pathway to decomposition together with the associated transition states. We find that the products of decomposition, in particular, acetone, are also stabilized by ion metal complexes. In agreement with experiment, we find the best candidates for metal ion induced decomposition are Cu 2+ and Zn 2+. © 2011 American Chemical Society.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Journal of Physical Chemistry A
Volume
115
Issue
38
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Dubnikova, Faina, Ronnie Kosloff, Jimmie C. Oxley, James L. Smith, and Yehuda Zeiri. "Role of metal ions in the destruction of TATP: Theoretical considerations." Journal of Physical Chemistry A 115, 38 (2011): 10565-10575. doi: 10.1021/jp2021616.