A single stage process for the preparation of cycotetramethylene tetranitrmine

Abstract

A single stage process for the preparation of cyclotetrmethlene tetranitramine (HMX)has been developed. The ingredients (i) Hexamine in glacial acetic acid, (ii) Ammonium nitrate in nitric acid and (iii)acetic anhydride were simultaneously added to glacial acetic acid medium maintained at 45-48 with stirring. The crude yield of the product per 100 gm. of hexamine used is 120 gm having the melting point 265-266C. Purified from acetone the substance melts at 272-275 and passes standard vacuum stability and impact sensitivity tests.