Synthesis of 2,6,8,12-Tetraacetyl-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (TAIW) from 2,6,8,12-Tetraacetyl-4,10-dibenzyl-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (TADBIW) by Catalytic Hydrogenolysis Using a Continuous Flow Process

Synthesis of 2,6,8,12-tetraacetyl-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (TAIW) by catalytic hydrogenolysis of 2,6,8,12-tetraacetyl-4,10-dibenzyl-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (TADBIW), a key step for the synthesis of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW), has been first implemented under continuous flow conditions using the commercially available H-Cube Pro reactor. Several variables (i.e., reaction temperature, flow rate, and pressure) and the stability of the system have been investigated to optimize the operating conditions. The results show that a continuous flow system provides a better yield than a batch system. For instance, the yield is 99% at the optimized conditions, while the best yield from batch reactions is 92%. Continuous flow synthesis of TAIW has potential applications in improving the production technologies of HNIW for its many advantages over batch reactions.