Compression behavior and spectroscopic properties of insensitive explosive 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene from dispersion-corrected density functional theory

Using dispersion corrected density functional theory, we systematically examined the pressure effect on crystal structure, cell volume, and band gap of 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) to understand its extraordinary chemical stability. Analysis of the Mulliken population and the electron density of states implied a possible charge transfer in TATB with increasing pressure. Raman and infrared spectra of TATB under hydrostatic pressure up to 30 GPa were simulated. The observed strong coupling between NH₂ groups and NO₂ groups with increasing pressure, which is considered to have a tendency of energy transfer with these vibrational modes, was analyzed. The pressure-induced frequency shift of selected vibrational modes indicated minor changes of molecular conformation mainly by the rotation of NH₂ groups. Compression behavior and spectroscopic property studies are expected to shed light on the physical and chemical properties of TATB on an atomistic scale.