Proposed new (?) powerful explosive

[neil bee]

Look up the structure of RDX, a very powerful explosive. It is a
hexagonal ring of alternating CH2 and N-NO2 (molecular formula C3 H6
N6 O6). HMX is analogous with four N-NO2 groups instead of three. I
propose an explosive with potentially more energy release per kg,
based on substituting an N-NO2 group into each of the -CH2- bends of
adamantane (that is, replacing each CH2 group in adamantane.) Look up
adamantane, C10 H16. It is like the unit element of diamond (hence the
name) but with hydrogens at each remaining valence. The substitution
(formula C4 H4 N12 O12) would have a ratio of 3:2 N-NO2:C instead of
1:1 as in RDX and HMX. What to call it, maybe ABX (adamantane-based
explosive) and/or decagen by analogy.

It should be rather stable, again on analogy, and decently high MP due
to high molecular weight. It should be powerful, considering the
improved oxygen balance. I wonder if it would be as potent as
octanitrocubane, and should be cheaper/easier to make. Any ideas,
heard of it before? Thanks.

N Bates

[Poutnikq]

Post by neil bee
Look up the structure of RDX, a very powerful explosive. It is a
hexagonal ring of alternating CH2 and N-NO2 (molecular formula C3 H6
N6 O6). HMX is analogous with four N-NO2 groups instead of three. I
propose an explosive with potentially more energy release per kg,
based on substituting an N-NO2 group into each of the -CH2- bends of
adamantane (that is, replacing each CH2 group in adamantane.) Look up
adamantane, C10 H16. It is like the unit element of diamond (hence the
name) but with hydrogens at each remaining valence. The substitution
(formula C4 H4 N12 O12) would have a ratio of 3:2 N-NO2:C instead of
1:1 as in RDX and HMX.

the point is RDX is NOT produced from adamantan.
Also, close neighborhood of nitramine groups would make it much less
stable.

[Neil B]

Post by Poutnikq

Post by neil bee
Look up the structure of RDX, a very powerful explosive. It is a
hexagonal ring of alternating CH2 and N-NO2 (molecular formula C3 H6
N6 O6). HMX is analogous with four N-NO2 groups instead of three. I
propose an explosive with potentially more energy release per kg,
based on substituting an N-NO2 group into each of the -CH2- bends of
adamantane (that is, replacing each CH2 group in adamantane.) Look up
adamantane, C10 H16. It is like the unit element of diamond (hence the
name) but with hydrogens at each remaining valence. The substitution
(formula C4 H4 N12 O12) would have a ratio of 3:2 N-NO2:C instead of
1:1 as in RDX and HMX.

the point is RDX is NOT produced from adamantan.
Also, close neighborhood of nitramine groups would make it much less
stable.

Poutnikq, tx for prompt response but I didn't say that RDX was
produced from adamantane. I said to make an adamantane-based *analog*
of RDX and HMX. That has nothing to do with what they are made from,
it's a new molecule sharing some but not all properties of the others.
Also, the nitroamine groups are only marginally closer, and each is
still separated by -CH-. Yes there are more in proximity (three
connected to each carbon instead of two) but the higher molecular
weight should help. Instead of assuming, how about trying this stuff
out, give it a chance?

BTW, hope your countrymen (AFAICT) got by OK in the recent
nitroglycerin explosion in Czech Republic:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/four-missing-after-czech-explosives-plant-blast-2270275.html
Now, *that's* an unstable explosive!

[Poutnik]

In article <5ae02794-3320-4a77-9752-
***@dn9g2000vbb.googlegroups.com>, ***@gmail.com
says...

Post by Neil B
Poutnikq, tx for prompt response but I didn't say that RDX was
produced from adamantane. I said to make an adamantane-based *analog*
of RDX and HMX. That has nothing to do with what they are made from,
it's a new molecule sharing some but not all properties of the others.
Also, the nitroamine groups are only marginally closer, and each is
still separated by -CH-. Yes there are more in proximity (three
connected to each carbon instead of two) but the higher molecular
weight should help. Instead of assuming, how about trying this stuff
out, give it a chance?

Ah, I am sorry, I have first understood you incorrectly.

But the first question is how to produce this stuff ?
RDX adn HMX are made from haxamine that is already
adamantan analog with 4 CH replaced by N.