AbstractHAB is a thermally‐ and hydrolytically‐stable solid, easily prepared from available raw materials. It is not highly sensitive to shock, friction, or electrostatic charge, but is sensitive to some types of impact, although not to others. It shows preliminary promise for possible use as a substitute for normal lead styphnate in less‐sensitive bridgewire detonators, and as a substitute for tetracene in percussion detonators, e.g. the M‐42 primer. Easy ignition, and a high burning rate without detonation, suggest application as an igniter. HAB is not sufficiently powerful to dent an aluminum witness block; therefore, it would not be suitable as a replacement for lead azide as an intermediate detonator