Synthesis of CL-20 by a Greener Method Using Nitroguanidine/HNO sub(3)

• Published in: Propellants, explosives, pyrotechnics Vol. 41; no. 1; pp. 20 - 23
• Main Authors: Bayat, Yadollah, Hajighasemali, Fatemeh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-02-2016
• Subjects: Explosives; Nitrates; Nitroguanidine; Nitrolysis; Precursors; Propellants; Reagents; Synthesis
• ISSN: 0721-3115; 1521-4087
• DOI: 10.1002/prep.201500300

CL-20 is a nitramine applied in both explosives and propellants. The traditional nitrolysis of tetraacetyldibenzylhexaazaisowurtzitane (TADB), as the key precursor for the synthesis of CL-20, requires the use of N sub(2)O sub(4)/HNO sub(3)/H sub(2)SO sub(4) (so-called mixed acid) which has its drawbacks, especially at industrial scales. Herein, the nitrolysis of TADB with a one pot method was investigated using nitroguanidine (NQ) and guanidinium nitrate (GN)/HNO sub(3) as new system for the synthesis of CL-20. Positive features of these nitro-debenzylation/nitro-deacetylation methods include lack of mixed acids, simple work-up and less hazardous reagents. The maximum yield of reaction (72%) was obtained under optimized conditions (NQ (3.48mmol) and TADB (0.58mmol) in 98% HNO sub(3) (5mL) at 85 degree C and 24h).