An Efficient and Solvent-Free Method to Synthesize HMX by Nitrolysis of DPT Catalyzed by Reusable Solid Acid Catalysts

Direct nitrolysis of 3,7-dinitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazabicyclo[3,3,1]nonane (DPT) is a feasible way to synthesize HMX, which is one of the most powerful explosives. A new nitrolysis process involving the use of nitric acid and various solid acid catalysts such as silica sulfuric acid, heteropoly acids, and metal nitrates was used as an effective and safe nitrating agents for the nitration of DPT to HMX under mild and heterogeneous conditions with good yields. In order to optimize the process, the reactions were carried out with a varying amount of catalysts and also the catalysts were efficiently recovered.