Dissipating shock wave energy by mechanochemically active compounds is a promising concept for protecting personnel and machinery from detonation. It has been reported that polyurea absorbs low energy shock waves via disruption of hydrogen bonds. However, there are no reports of dissipating high energy shock waves using covalent bond changes. We hypothesized that endothermic chemical reactions with breakage of covalent bonds and with volume collapse in the molecules allow for dissipation of high energy shock waves. The diradical intermediate in the Bergman cyclization (BC) meets both of the desired qualities for shock wave energy dissipation, but the intermediate must be kinetically stabilized to dissipate shock energy. This work focuses on the synthesis of aromatic enediynes that kinetically stabilize the diradical intermediate formed in BC. The energy dissipating properties of the enediynes tested by laser-induced stress wave experiment will also be discussed.

Synthesis and development of materials for shock wave energy dissipation

246th National Meeting (2013)

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