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A spin-off from high-nitrogen explosives research could lead to almost
smoke-free fireworks, say chemists at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New
Mexico. Michael Hiskey and his colleagues have created low-smoke pyrotechnics
using the high-nitrogen compound 3,6-dihydrazino-s-tetrazine, which generates
brightly coloured flames when small amounts of metal salts are added—but
very little smoke and ash. This contrasts with traditional fireworks—often
based on strontium nitrate—which only partially combust. The technology
could be used to make safer pyrotechnics for special effects in theatrical
productions and movies.