Mercuric-5-nitrotetrazole (MNT) was synthesized on using a reported method. The product having bulk density of 1.5 g/cm(3), was obtained during this work using mercuric nitrate doped with additives such as cephol/dextrin in the process. Synthesized MNT was characterized by metal content analysis, IR and ESCA. The DTA profile indicated the thermal stability of MNT up to 200 degreesC. It revealed its higher thermally sensitive [thermal sensitive figure (S) similar to0.8] in comparison to that of service lead azide (SLA) [S similar to 0.4]. Percussion sensitivity data also showed higher sensitivity of MNT. However, it was found less friction sensitive than SLA. The chemical stability of MNT in a carbon dioxide environment was evaluated in comparison to SLA by determining mercury (gravimetrically) and lead azide (volumetrically) contents respectively. Results obtained indicated that no discernable changes occurred in MNT, even after storage for 90 days while in case of SLA, drastic change in lead azide content was observed. IR spectra of MNT sample stored in a closed aluminum dish for 5-10 years could be superimposed on that of the freshly prepared MNT sample. The performance of MNT filled detonator no. 27 assessed in terms of extent of damage on a witness plate was found equivalent to that of the standard ASA (azide, styphynate and aluminium) composition filled detonator. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.