dennisfrancisblewettiii - 2-8-2012 at 06:29
Hey, there.
Reading more about the organic chemistry of explosives. I'm trying to locate information about bacteria that synthesize nitro compounds as part of
their biology.
My main interest is in bacteria that could be used to generate a large batch of particular nitro compounds for easier synthesis of explosive compounds
beyond a TNT REF of 1.
Are there bacteria that make nitro compounds?
What if I took a heme group, replaced the carboxyl groups, and added NO2 groups? Would that have much energetic capability?
Idea:
Synthesize uroporphyrinogen III, use PPG-oxidase, use ferrochelatase to create strain by adding in Fe group, then use a mechanism to turn the
carboxylic acid groups to nitro groups.
[Edited on 2-8-2012 by Genecks]
shannon dove - 2-8-2012 at 16:54
I had a similar idea years ago. Imagine developing a strain of bacteria that a soldier (special forces) has a small vial of, when he gets in a
situation where he needs some high explosives, he just puts a small amount of this bacteria in a container with plant and animal material. It could be
insects or worms or leaves and acorns whatever is available. Then a few days later there is this energetic material that can be easily separated from
the compost. The separating might be something like adding excess water and this material is not soluble then it floats on top. Science fiction for
sure. Might make a good movie plot.