Processing of Unique Materials for Precursors of Kinetically Innovative Networks (PUMPKIN)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking information in the area of synthetic chemistry to expand its understanding for converting diverse and uncommon input materials into as many discrete molecules as possible that can eventually be further reacted to yield molecules of high density, > -100% oxygen balance (OB), and/or contain high strain energy with backbones such as, but not limited to, aliphatic, amines, aromatics, azides, diazo complexes, cyclic compounds, esters, ethers, heterocyclic organic compounds (e.g., triazoles, tetrazoles, furazans), organometallic complexes, peroxides, picrates, polyols, salts, strained cages, and more compounds using laboratory scale equipment.

DARPA is only interested in proof of concept at small volumes (e.g. grams or less); reaction conditions do not need to simulate or be tested for full scale production. Furthermore, DARPA is interested in information related to immediately available capabilities to rapidly begin producing results, not the capability to develop new rapid processing or analytic capabilities over the course of months to years. Rapid stand-up capabilities are still in scope.