The thermal behavior of N-2',4'-dinitrophenyl-3,3-dinitroazetidine (DNPDNAZ) was studied under a non-isothermal conditions by DSC and TG/ DTG methods. The apparent activation energy (E-a) and pre-exponential factor (A) of the intense exothermic decomposition reaction of DNPDNAZ were 172.26 kJ.mol(-1) and 10(13.15) s(-1), respectively. The specific molar heat capacity (C-p,C- m) of DNPDNAZ was determined by a continuous Cp mode of microcalorimetry and theoretical calculation. The detonation velocity (D) and pressure (P) of DNPDNAZ were estimated using the nitrogen equivalent equation according to the experimental density. The free radical signals of DNPDNAZ and 1,3,3-trinitroazetidine (TNAZ) were detected by electron spin resonance (ESR) technique, which is used to estimate their sensitivity. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.