Advanced energetic materials: novel strategies and versatile applications

Novel efficient synthetic strategies, including green methodologies, to basic and perspective high-energy density compounds, bearing active oxygen sources (C-, N- and O-nitro groups and N-oxide fragments) and high-enthalpy polynitrogen heterocycles, are briefly overviewed. Recently developed synthetic approaches to nitro group-free hypergolic ionic liquids (HILs) and strained 1,5-diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane derivatives capable of ultrafast ignition upon mixing with an oxidizer, and to high-energy liquid hydrocarbons with strained cyclopropane fragments are also considered. Physicochemical properties, energetic performances and potential applications of energetic compounds and composites as key components of explosives, powders and solid or liquid rocket propellants are critically discussed with a focus on original reports published in the period 2016–2021.