Guanidine nitrate

It is produced on a large scale and finds use as precursor for nitroguanidine,[1] fuel in pyrotechnics and gas generators.

Although it is the salt formed by neutralizing guanidine with nitric acid, guanidine nitrate is produced industrially by the reaction of dicyandiamide (or calcium salt) and ammonium nitrate.

It is attractive because it has a high gas output and low flame temperature.

[3] It is less toxic than the mixture used in older airbags of sodium azide, potassium nitrate and silica (NaN3, KNO3, and SiO2), and it is less explosive and sensitive to moisture compared to the very cheap ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3).

[4] The compound is a hazardous substance, being an explosive and containing an oxidant (nitrate).

Ball-and-stick models of the constituent ions
Ball-and-stick models of the constituent ions
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroform Flammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oil Instability 4: Readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition at normal temperatures and pressures. E.g. nitroglycerin Special hazards (white): no code