Many advantages accrue from nitrogen-rich heterocyclic compounds compared to traditional molecular energetic compounds. Utilization of heterocyclic nitrogen-containing cations and anions in energetic salts gives rise to lower vapor pressures, higher heats of formation and higher densities. Additionally, smaller amounts of hydrogen and carbon contribute to a better oxygen balance than normally is found with their carbocyclic analogues. Nitrogen-rich compounds are promising high energetic materials that may be more acceptable than their alternatives for both industrial and military uses since a higher percentage of their decomposition products will be dinitrogen.