New molecule could propel rockets

The largest nitrogen oxide molecule discovered to date could function as a rocket propellant, according to chemists in Sweden who have synthesised it for the first time. Trinitramide, N(NO₂)₃, has a higher energy and density than other materials used to combust rocket fuel - but some researchers are doubtful it will ever be useable outside the lab.

'The identification of trinitramide is clearly a great discovery and academically highly important,' says Thomas Klapötke, an expert in energetic materials at the Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, Germany, who was not involved in the research. 'As far as a possible application as an oxidiser for rocket propulsion is concerned, I have slight doubts.'  More...

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2011/January/07011103.asp