This paper reports a study of the synthesis and characterization of 4,6-dinitroamino-1,3,5-triazine-2(1 H)-one (DNAM) carried out under the perspective of looking for new ingredients in propellant formulations. Emphasis is given to the characterization of DNAM. The following attributes were identified: low sensitivity to impact and friction, thermal stability over a wide temperature range, energetic nature, high density, and interesting particle size distribution. In Part 2 a preliminary evaluation of DNAM capabilities in a propellant formulation will be presented.