Review of tetraammine copper nitrate (TACN) and perchlorate (TACP)

Abstract

A comprehensive review of two currently used improvised explosives, tetraammine copper nitrate (TACN) and perchlorate (TACP), is presented. The review focuses on the physical and chemical properties, thermal decomposition, sensitivity, and detonation parameters. Historical uses of TACN, as well as recently proposed uses of both complexes, are mentioned. The undesired formation of TACN when copper or its alloys come into contact with ammonium nitrate is also discussed.