Synthesis of Cyclotetramethlene Tetranitramine by Three Stage

Abstract

A three stage method has been developed for the preparation of cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX) at 45+- 3 degree centigrade. Hexamine was nitrated to 1,5 methylene-3,7 dinitro-1,3,5,7 tetra aza cyclo octane (DPT) in acetic anhydride and acetic acid ammonium nitrate -nitric acid mixture in presence of BF/sub3/ as catalyst, DPT along with reaction mixture was further treated with excess of nitric acid and acetic anhydride in the second stage. The product so obtained was converted into HMX in third stage treating with ammonium nitrate-nitric acid mixture and acetic anhydride. Effect of various concentration of ammonium nitrate, nitric acid and acetic anhydride was also studied on the yield of HMX in final stage.