THERMOANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE PESTICIDE 3-AMINO-1,2,4-TRIAZOLE

Thermoanalytical study of the pesticide 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATA) h as been carried out, using simultaneous DTA-TG in nitrogen flow, in or der to know its thermal behaviour and stability. These techniques have been further complemented using evolved gas analysis and mass spectro scopy (EGA-MS). Two different stages of ATA decomposition were observe d: after the first decomposition step, a mixture of compounds is obtai ned, according to MS data, being the principal component a compound of molecular weight 126. It is formed by a first order reaction mechanis m, according to the kinetic study, with E(a)=124+/-8 kJ . mol(-1). The second decomposition step takes place about 735 degrees C, with evolu tion of HCN and NH3, being the final weight loss 96%.