Nitroguanidine (NQ) is a component of novel, energetic compositions in development by the defense industry.   It differs from classical munitions because it is thermodynamically less likely to be transformed via reduction.  Our study focuses on addressing NQ contamination prior to entry into the drinking water cycle.  Data demonstrate that strong organic reductants and dissolved ferrous iron alone are ineffective at transforming NQ under relevant conditions (pH 6-9).  However, first-order degradation is observed in the presence of mixed valent iron solids, suggesting a surface-mediated transformation pathway that occurs despite low thermodynamic favorability.   Two to three moles of electrons are consumed per mole of NQ degraded.  Production of a daughter product, tentatively identified as nitrosoguanidine, was observed; however, this product readily degrades in water.   Understanding potential NQ degradation pathways is important because it is highly soluble in water, compared to other munitions, and thus more likely to reach drinking water receptors.

Evaluating in situ reduction approaches for the insensitive munition nitroguanidine (NQ)

248th National Meeting (2014)

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